Chico State’s yearlong study abroad program for graduate students was ranked second in the nation for the 2011-2012 academic year, according to a report issued in November.

The Institute for International Education issued the Open Doors report, explaining national trends and university rankings.

The yearlong program had been ranked number three in the nation the past five years, said Jennifer Gruber, a study abroad and international exchange coordinator.

“Chico State’s study abroad staff encourages yearlong participation because it offers the best opportunity for full cultural adaptation, foreign language development and personal growth,” she said.

Trends at Chico State’s study abroad office generally fall into line with the national trends outlined by the report.

Most students that go abroad from Chico State are business majors or minors, Gruber said.

The national statistic shows business is one of the fastest-growing areas of academic schooling abroad, according to the report. Last year, about 60,000 business students studied abroad, according to the report.

“The number one place we send students is Europe, so we are not all that different from the national average,” she said. “But there has been an increased interest in Latin America and Asia as students are looking at some of the cheaper options we offer.”

Aubrey Crosby can be reached at [email protected] or @aubreycrosby on Twitter.