Why US Universities Are Welcoming Many International Students

Reference & EducationCollege & University

  • Author Anupama Madhuri
  • Published March 7, 2009
  • Word count 581

The United States is more eager to welcome international students to its shores and put its efforts to increase educational exchanges of the country. In the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001, the number of international students going to and enrolling at major universities in the country has significantly dropped. Many US policy makers and citizens did not know how important foreign students were to American academic institutions until then. In the past, not many people recognized the value and potential help of foreign students and not just to the existence of the universities, but to the whole of the United States.

Major Reasons for Inviting International Students in USA

There are two main reasons why American universities keep on luring foreign students into pursuing degrees with them. These reasons have never been exposed and clearly identified, since the number of international students enrolling in the US has significantly dropped.

For Research Assistance

For US universities rely on international students for research help. Bright students from other countries are crucial and are significant in helping make university researches and endeavor successful growth. Generally, universities require students to comply with research requirements, which usually would help in the major research efforts. Aside from that foreign students are also reliable as sources of teaching staffs. There are many foreign students who end up staying in the country and staying for longer periods because they pursue teaching careers. Thus, the US does not encounter manpower and professionals.

To Disseminate US Legislative Policies

The second reason why the US is bent on luring more foreign students is that by staying in the country to study, foreign students are being familiarized with the essential and basic US legislative policies. When that happens, the US in a little way is disseminating its policy and more people from around the world will be familiarized with it as well with US legislation, which could benefit the US and help it stay a superior power.

On top of all these reasons of course, economic implications are also very important. International students infuse lots of money to the already strong US economy every year. The country's tourism industry is also promoted because students will keep on telling their families and friends back home how beautiful and welcoming the country is.

International student enrollment in the USA

United States has long been the leading exporter of higher education. In the year 1999-00, U.S. colleges and universities enrolled more than 515,000 international students. Later, in the year 2002-03 it was increased to 585,000 and there were some declines and inclines in the enrollment ratio, which was contributed by various economical and political factors.

Several years of strong economic growth in the late 1990s drove record numbers of applications from international students hoping to participate in America's dynamic economy – particularly in the technology sector. The "dot-com" bust in 2000, however, dampened some international students' interest in studying in the U.S.

The U.S process for obtaining a student visa became much more demanding, adding a face-to-face interview requirement, increasing the number of fields for which high-level clearance is required, and more closely monitoring applicants from countries considered "high risk." The State Department modified the process somewhat in 2005, in order to speed up its review of student visa applications,; but it could take several years to see how this affects the number of international applicants to U.S. colleges and universities.

Please feel free to visit us for more information--

http://www.impeloverseas.com

Impel is the Global Education Consultancy that provides all the information about Study Abroad.

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VM
VM · 15 years ago
great source of information

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