Foreign Students

Trends in Enrollment of Foreign Students

Foreign nationals have been coming to the United States to pursue their graduate and undergraduate degrees in science and medicine since the mid-1950s. As time went on, these students were joined by those interested in studying, researching, and obtaining practical training in computer and telecommunication sciences, business, education, law, social sciences, and the humanities. According to a recent report by the Institute of International Education, the total number of international students increased from 34,000 in 1954–1955 to nearly 565,000 in 2005–2006. The share of foreign students as a percentage of the total student population rose as well, from 1.4% of total U.S. student enrollment in 1954–1955 to 3.9% in 2005–2006. The overall enrollment of foreign students has been rising steadily for the past five decades. However, a break in the trend occurred in the 2002–2003 academic year (the year after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001), when the annual growth in new foreign enrollments slowed; a 3-year decline [Page 504]began in 2003–2004. The most recent enrollment figures show signs of recovery: The number of new foreign students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities increased from 132,000 in 2004–2005 to 143,000 in 2005–2006 or by 8.3%.

As in the past, current students come from all over the world to pursue their education dreams in the United States. Yet just ten countries—India, China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Taiwan, Mexico, Turkey, Germany, and Thailand—accounted for 60% of all foreign students enrolled in 2005–2006.

On the global education market, although the United States receives the largest absolute number of foreign students, its share dropped from 25.3% of all foreign students studying abroad in 2000 to 21.6% in 2004. At the same time, the share increased for other countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and France. For example, the share of foreign students in New Zealand rose from 0.4% in 2000 to 2.4% in 2004. This increase is significant given the size of New Zealand in comparison with the United States.

Foreign Students: Opportunities and Challenges

Foreign students and scholars make a number of important contributions to American social and economic life. They enrich the cultural diversity and educational experience for U.S.-born students and enhance the reputation of American universities as world-class learning and research institutions. Foreign students make the United States one of the most profitable educational destinations. For example, according to NAFSA (Association of International Educators), foreign students and their dependents contributed more than $13 billion to the U.S. economy in 2005. High-level government officials recognize international students and exchange visitors for their role in public diplomacy and promotion of American values abroad. Foreign students who return and become key figures in their home countries are likely to become U.S. allies on foreign policy and national security issues. They are also recognized for their significant contributions to the innovation and economic competitiveness of U.S. business and research; many view them as desirable future U.S. workers and immigrants.

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