The University of Delaware is a leader in global education. 

In the 2023 International Student Barometer (ISB), the University ranked first for international student satisfaction with the overall arrival experience, visa support services and multiple critical aspects of the learning environment out of more than 150 participating universities. 

With outstanding ratings across multiple categories — including second- and third-place recognition for learning performance feedback and pre-arrival orientation services — the 2023 rankings reflect the growth of campus resources and programming that enhance the international student experience. Several other areas earned a ranking in the top 10 in the world, among participating institutions. 

"Student feedback through the ISB offers a glimpse into how an integrative approach to University support services can impact the experiences of our international students academically, culturally and socially,” said Ravi Ammigan, associate provost for international programs. 

Established in 2005, the ISB evaluates international student experiences. Through comprehensive surveys, more than 1,400 universities worldwide have gathered feedback from international students on areas like arrival and orientation, the living and learning experience, support and wellbeing, and recommendations and future plans. During the fall 2023 cycle, 155 universities from 25 countries participated in the global survey. 

In the fall, UD’s Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) launched the University’s fifth distribution of the ISB survey, gathering feedback from more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral student participants. Collecting ISB results has played a key role in advancing internationalization and global engagement across campus. Recognizing student experience as one of six dimensions of the University’s Global 360 strategy, the ISB provides important data that directly contributes to UD’s collective impact and visibility around the world. 

"Inclusive and supportive learning environments motivate international students to persevere and complete their academic journey,” Ammigan said. “The more satisfied our students are with their campus experience, the more likely they will become active alumni and recommend their institution to future applicants."

The University’s top world ranking for overall arrival support — nearly 95% student satisfaction — is a testament to the orientation and transition programming offered by CGPS in collaboration with Student Life’s Orientation and Transitions Program (OTP) and many campus partners. 

“As we strive to understand the needs and desires of our diverse campus community, feedback on the satisfaction of our international students is strategically important to our path forward,” Vice President for Student Life Jose Luis Riera said. “International student experiences and perspectives enrich our University culture and community. By understanding their experiences, we can enhance their wellbeing in tangible ways that not only support their academic and personal success but also strengthen our institution’s global engagement and reputation.”

Learning-related support services — including assessment, marking criteria, and communicating with tutors — also ranked first globally, with over 95% student satisfaction among those completing the survey. 

“The strong results of this year’s ISB are evidence that understanding international student satisfaction continues to make our already great experience even better,” said Kim Isett, vice provost for academic programs and university initiatives. “It’s exciting to know that UD attracts and retains incredible talent from around the world and that they have an incomparable experience while they are here.”

UD’s Morris Library, recreation services and social activities were also recognized in the top 10 out of all participating universities. The results also highlighted UD’s academic support services, with many teaching and online learning services ranked in the top five in the survey. Within this category, tutoring and assessment ranked first. 

The 2023 ISB data shows a notable jump in satisfaction across key metrics relating to pre-arrival orientation, the arrival process and the experience within the academic environment since 2018. This improvement reflects CGPS’s commitment to enhancing international student support services. Overall, CGPS received a 95.8% satisfaction rating as the designated support and service unit for all international students at UD.

“These results are particularly encouraging, highlighting the effectiveness of CGPS’s focused support for international students,” said Vina Titaley, associate director of international student engagement. “Our support services model is based on a highly collaborative approach by working closely with campus partners to strengthen our efforts in intercultural programming, immigration advising, community engagement and career readiness. We are extremely proud of the ISB findings this year, and we look forward to improving the experiences of our international student community even further in the year ahead.”

ISB 2023 Highlights

UD ranked first globally in Pre-Arrival Information; Visa Advice; Assessment; Marking Criteria; and Communicating with Tutors. 

UD earned top five rankings in Learning Support; Face-to-Face Orientation; Introduction to Clubs and Societies; Introduction to Support Services; Meeting Academic Staff; Performance Feedback; Opportunities to Teach; Online Tests and Exams; and Study Sense.

UD ranked in the top 10 globally in Enrollment/Academic Registration; Formal Welcome at the University; Introduction to Campus and Facilities; Submitting Work Remotely; Online Tutorials; Online Assignments; Social Activities; Library; and Recreation Services.

Overall, 87.7% of international students were satisfied with their experience at UD. UD is sixth in the world for social activities or organized events, with 89.5% student satisfaction, and 6th in the world with 97% satisfaction with UD library support. UD ranked 10th in the world with 96% satisfaction with UD recreation services.

For further information on the University and its rankings, please visit the CGPS website. 

About the Center for Global Programs and Studies

The Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) at the University of Delaware is home to the operations of UD Global, which includes Study Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, World Scholars Program and Global Outreach and Partnerships. The Center provides leadership and collaborative innovation in support of all of the University's global initiatives and campus internationalization efforts, with its Global 360 Strategy serving as a roadmap for infusing international perspectives throughout the University’s scholarship, research, and service missions. Focused on a student-centered approach, CGPS provides expert advising and a wealth of global engagement opportunities to the UD campus community, including the weekly International Coffee Hour in the fall and spring semesters.

Follow and engage with @UDGlobal on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for the latest updates on everything global happening at UD.