Georgia Tech students are part of a growing trend within the University System of Georgia as they continue to increase their participation in study abroad programs.

The Georgia Board of Regents announced today that three times as many USG students study abroad as in 1998. Georgia Tech has almost doubled its student participation since the 1999-2000 academic school year.

During the 1999-2000 school year Tech had more than 570 students participating in study abroad programs. That compares to more than 1,100 students participating in the fall of 2007-2008 academic school year. The university is also home to the largest international student and scholar population in the USG and continues to increase the number of foreign language classes it offers.

"Our goal is to have 50 percent of our undergraduates participate in an international experience by the time they graduate," said Amy Henry, executive director for International Education. "Georgia Tech has an award-winning program, the International Plan, that also integrates international experience into 24 of Tech's 32 majors. So we've gone well beyond traditional study abroad programs to think of the students' preparation for a global economy in deeper and more comprehensive ways."

Georgia Tech has been successful in integrating international studies despite the difficulties that come with managing this experience in majors like engineering and the sciences.

There are about 550 students enrolled in the International Plan. The program has won the Heiskell Award from the Institute of International Education (honorable mention) and the Paul Simon Award from NAFSA: Association of International Educators.