The number of American students who study in other countries has been growing. The Institute of International Education, in its most recent report, counted more than 223,000, a record. A few years ago a commission（委员会）established by Congress called for a goal of one million a year by 2017.
The institute says the growth in taking abroad programs is partly because of more choices of shorter semesters. More than half the American students who go abroad study in Europe, though fewer than in the past. Students have shown growing interest in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.
Since 2001, New York University has been sending more students abroad than any other university in the United States. It offers classes in Argentina, China, Ghana and several countries in Europe. More than 960 undergraduates（大学生）from New York University will go abroad this fall. The largest number, 400, will study in Florence, Italy. Mostly local（当地的，本地的）professors teach 50 courses there. Twenty-six students, the smallest number, are going to Berlin, Germany, where just 8 courses are offered.
A-16. The institute says the growth in taking abroad programs is partly because of _____ .
