The U.S. is enjoying great popularity among international
students. During the 2010/2011 academic year foreign student
enrolment has increased by 5% to a total of 723.277. Within the
last decade this number has grown by 32%. The American Institute of
International Education (IIE) published these numbers together with
the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs in its recent report "Open Doors 2011".
Leading country of origin remains China (158.000) representing
22% of the international student population in America. India
comes in second (104.000) and South Korea third (73.000). Most
popular destination within the States is California with 96.535
overseas students.
$21 billion from HE-related services
These international students also bring significant amounts of
cash into their host country as numbers show. 70% of their primary
funding comes from sources outside the United States. The U.S.
Department of Commerce estimates that this adds $21 billion (€15,32
billion) to the economy through tuition fee and living
expenditures.
"Higher education is among the United States' top service sector
exports, as international students provide significant revenue not
just to the host campuses but also to local economies of the host
states for living expenses, including room and board, books and
supplies, transportation, health insurance, and support for
accompanying family members," IIE points out in a public
statement.
"Because of the excellence and diversity of our colleges and
universities, more students worldwide are choosing to study in the
United States. Young people who study abroad gain the global skills
necessary to create solutions to 21st Century challenges. In turn,
international students globalize our campuses and communities,"
commented Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary of State.