International students up 8 percent

Report on International Educational Exchange; International Students on U.S. Campuses at All-Time High; Total Foreign Student Numbers Up 8 Percent and New Enrollments Up 16 percent; U.S. Study Abroad Up 8.5 Percent, Continuing Decades-Long Growth

The number of international students at colleges and universities in the United States increased by 8 percent to an all-time high of 671,616 in the 2008/09 academic year, while the number of Americans studying abroad increased by 8.5 percent to 262,416 in 2007/08, according to the Open Doors report which was released today by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with support from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The 8 percent increase in international student numbers is the largest increase reported since 1980/81, and marks the third year of significant growth. Open Doors 2009 reports the number of "new" international students -- those enrolled for the first time at a U.S. college or university in fall 2008 increased by 16 percent. The largest growth was seen in undergraduate enrollments, which increased by 11 percent, compared to a 2 percent increase in graduate enrollments. This growth was driven largely by increases in undergraduate students from China.

"I am delighted to see the large increase in the number of international students who are choosing to study in the United States," said Judith A. McHale, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. "The all-time high number of international students who studied here in the 2008/09 academic year testifies to the quality and diversity for which American higher education is known around the world. The Department of State actively promotes the benefits of an American education. Our large network of more than 400 EducationUSA advising centers plays a key role in matching international students with a U.S. academic institution that's just right for them. We strongly encourage international students to study in the United States, and are committed to helping them choose the American college or university that best meets their needs."

Open Doors 2009 reports increases in foreign student enrollments from seven of the ten leading places of origin. India is the leading place of origin for the eighth consecutive year, increasing 9 percent, followed by China up 21 percent, South Korea up 9 percent and Canada, the only non-Asian country in the top five, up 2 percent, surpassing Japan, now in fifth place with enrollment decreasing 14 percent. California is the leading state of destination for international students followed by New York, Texas, Massachusetts and Florida. The University of Southern California enrolls the greatest number of international students followed by New York University, Columbia University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University. New York City remains the top host city. International students contribute approximately $17.8 billion to the U.S. economy, through their expenditures on tuition and living expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

To provide a "snapshot" look at what U.S. campuses are reporting in Fall 2009, IIE conducted an online survey, in cooperation with seven other higher education associations, asking if international enrollments for Fall 2009 have increased or decreased. This survey indicates a mixed picture for this Fall, with international enrollments varying according to different countries of origin and types and sizes of host institutions: 50 percent of responding campuses are continuing to see increases in international student enrollments (down from 57 percent who saw increases the previous year), while 24 percent reported declines, and 26 percent reported levels about the same as for the prior Fall. The campuses seeing declines noted varied effects of the current economic conditions and students' concerns about the H1N1 virus, while those reporting increases cited increased recruitment efforts and the growing reputation and visibility of U.S. campuses abroad.

Open Doors 2009 reports the number of Americans studying abroad increased by 8.5 percent to 262,416 in the 2007/08 academic year. This latest increase builds on decades of steady growth, with four times as many U.S. students participating in study abroad in 2007/08 than in 1987/88. The top four countries hosting U.S. students are United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and France. China, now the fifth leading destination, saw increases in enrollment of American students of 19 percent following on a 25 percent increase the previous year. Fifteen of the top 25 destinations for American students are outside of Western Europe and nineteen are countries where English is not the primary language. Students electing to study in Africa increased by 18 percent, those going to Asia increased by 17 percent, to Latin America by 11 percent, and those going to the Middle East increased by 22 percent. About 40 percent of students studying abroad do so through mid-length programs, while 56 percent of U.S. students choose short-term programs (including summer, January term and any program of 2 to 8 weeks during the academic year).

Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education, noted that the experiences afforded through study abroad provide American students with the skills needed to live in today's increasingly inter-connected world. "More students are eager to study in newly popular study abroad destinations such as China, India, and the Middle East. The language and cultural skills they acquire along with their academic experience will have a profound effect on their lives and careers." According to Dr. Goodman, it is important for colleges and universities to make it possible for students from diverse backgrounds and in diverse fields to take advantage of study abroad opportunities.

The Open Doors report is published by the Institute of International Education, the leading not-for-profit educational and cultural exchange organization in the United States. IIE has conducted an annual statistical survey of the international students in the United States since 1919, and with support from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs since the early 1970s. The census is based on a survey of approximately 3,000 accredited U.S. institutions. Open Doors also reports on surveys on international scholars at U.S. universities; international students enrolled in pre-academic Intensive English Programs; and on U.S. students studying abroad (since 1985). A full press kit and further details on the Open Doors 2009 surveys and their findings can be accessed on http://www.opendoors.iienetwork.org and the full 128 page report can be ordered for $64.95 from IIE Books at http://www.iiebooks.org .

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State manages a wide range of academic, professional, and cultural exchanges that include approximately 40,000 participants annually, with the goal of increasing mutual understanding and respect between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. ECA manages the EducationUSA network of advising offices (http://educationusa.state.gov/) for students around the world who wish to study in the United States. For more information on the Department of State's educational and cultural exchange activities, visit http://www.exchanges.state.gov .