Dickinson runs 35 international programs in 25 countries on six continents. These include learning centers in Cameroon, China, England, France, Italy, Germany, India, Korea, Mexico, Russia and Spain. Dickinson has a study abroad rate of over 65%, with the majority of students spending a whole year overseas.
In 2004, Dickinson was ranked 8th nationally for study abroad participation by the Institute of International Education, in addition to being number one in Pennsylvania and the Northeast. Over one third of students go abroad for a full year, and 65% are science majors, compared the national average of 13%. Also, more Dickinson students study in Africa than most schools, with approximately 10% of abroad students studying in Cameroon, West Africa.
In 2003, NAFSA: Association of International Educators selected Dickinson as one of six schools in the country that has best internationalized its campus.
Dickinson was the first college chartered in the United States after the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.
Dr. Benjamin Rush, the college’s founder, signed the Declaration of Independence, while John Dickinson, the college’s namesake, was a signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Three members of the U.S. Congress are Dickinson alumni: James Greenwood, Bill Shuster, and Jim Gerlach.