Fairleigh Dickinson University Expands Global Study Abroad Network

Fairleigh Dickinson University added six new international partner campuses to its study abroad network this year, expanding a program the Madison-based school has long used to distinguish itself from other private New Jersey universities.

FDU already operates full campuses in England and Canada in addition to its two New Jersey locations, giving students the ability to complete an entire degree, not just a semester, at an international site. The newly added partnerships, located across Europe and Asia, will instead offer shorter exchange terms ranging from a single semester to a full academic year.

"Most universities treat study abroad as a nice-to-have elective experience," said FDU Vice President for Global Affairs Sabine Weill. "We've built our entire institutional identity around it. Adding these partnerships gives students more flexibility in where and how long they study internationally without disrupting their degree timeline."

University data shows roughly one in four FDU undergraduates participates in some form of international study before graduating, a rate the school says is among the highest of any comprehensive university in the region. Officials credit the program with helping FDU maintain enrollment stability even as many small private universities nationally have faced steep declines.

FDU says it plans to add scholarship funding specifically earmarked for the new partner campuses next year, aiming to reduce cost as a barrier for students from lower-income households who want to study internationally.