It was the school year of 2008-2009 that saw the highest spike in foreign students coming to America. There were approximately 671,616 students enrolled in U.S. institutions. Formerly most students arriving to study in the U.S. were pursuing graduate degrees. However, the number of undergraduate international students is rising and most of them are from China. The amount of Chinese undergrads increased by sixty percent and the amount of undergrad pupils rose by 11 percent.
These cited numbers illustrate that the ratio of international students is on the rise and is likely to increase even more. Everyone benefits in this scenario, as it is good for America’s economy and the degree-seeking students as well. Foreign students wield a lot of cash into our flagging economy. In return they receive a worthwhile university degree. Several settle in the states for the rest of their lives so they are a tremendous addition to the American workforce.
The concern is that altogether too many arrive and then they leave. They are given a quality educational experience and then go back to their own nations to pursue their careers. This is great for them, but not necessarily beneficial to the U.S. Another issue is that when an increased number of foreign students enroll in American universities they take coveted spots from would-be scholars from the U.S.. Most universities have enrollment caps and when these institutions decide to accept foreign students that means there are fewer Americans who get to attend. The truth is that myriad foreigners are being chosen over American students because they have better grades and the funding; and most American students can not keep up with these privileged pupils.
America is the land of opportunity as the cliche goes, but many students dont have the opportunity to go to some university. They either cannot get into a college, they dont have the money, or they received such a poor education that they wrestle with their studies in college then subsequently they get less than a year’s education before they leave school. Its a system that isn’t really in the best interest of youthful U.S. citizens, but it serves those able to move to America temporarily or permanently.
Foreign College Students in America by
Region of Derivation, 2008-9
Asia 62%
Europe 13%
Latin America 10%
Africa 5%
Middle East 4%
North America 4%
Oceania 1%
Total 671,616
Note: Percentages are rounded and so do not add to100 percent.
Source: Institute of International Education
Do you want to learn more about getting the right education? Check out our list of online classes today!