In these tough economic times, foreign students and their dependents continue to make an important economic contribution to communities and campuses across the United States. NAFSA’s new report of economic impact shows that college students from other countries contributed $18.8 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2009-2010 academic year through tuition, fees, and living expenses for themselves and their families. This is a $1 billion increase from the previous academic year.
As international educators know, they also bring much more to our communities and campuses. A recent article in the Southeast Missourian highlights why foreign students matter to one college in the Midwest, where they bring $4 billion to the region. Gerald McDougall, dean of the Donald L. Harrison College of Business and international programs at Southeast Missouri State University told the newspaper:
The growth in the institution’s international community is by design. A couple of years ago the institution launched an initiative to internationalize the campus…While the economic effect is a happy consequence of the expanded enrollment, the culture and perspective the international students bring is invaluable to a university preparing young minds to compete globally.
If you are on a college or university campus, NAFSA’s economic impact statements are great information to share with your federal and state relations offices as well as local news media (view NAFSA’s guide for working with the media). The statements contain the following information, organized by state, institution, and congressional district:
- Number of foreign students enrolled
- Cost of tuition and fees
- Cost of living expenses (including those of dependents)
- U.S. financial support
- Total financial contributions of foreign students and their dependents
This data, combined with personal stories, can be powerful tools in bringing to life the real-world value of international education.
I think it’s important for the foreign students to attend universities in the United States. We know that any money the U.S. can get would be beneficial. It will also be beneficial for the foreign students and the American students to interact, so that they become more globally informed. They can share their experiences and learn from them. They definitely bring more than just money to the table.
As an alumna of a study abroad program in Rome, Italy, I can’t stress enough the importance of global education. Both for foreign students coming to the U.S., but even more in particular for U.S. students currently enrolled in school. I noticed that the students at the American University in Rome that I attended were much more mature in the way they acted and how they viewed their studies. They even knew a lot about the U.S. government system and politics. I highly recommend every student make an effort to study abroad and not get deterred thinking he/she will be missing out on something. That case of bud light will be there when you return, but the opportunity to study abroad will not.
I agree that it’s important for students to study in other cultures, and to bring new ideas and educationall concepts back home.
Greetings,
The growing number of foreign students in America has many positive implication both nationally in America and internationally in other countries. When foreign college students come from various countries around the world, that means that they value and trust the American educational system. These students learn and practice the American ideals in America. Then, when they return to their countries, they work as catalysts in spreading the American ideals in education and democracy. I also wish that more American students venture out internationally for academic experiences, especially in countries that are not academically explored by many American college students. These countries may not be advanced or reputable in their educational and academic systems. However, theses college students will have other gains such as the first hand cultural interactions. The whole experience will be beneficial for all participating students, higher education institutions, and countries. Now, no one country can live in isolation. With globalization, the whole world is converging; countries around are becoming more interdependent. They must work collaboratively to achieve peace and prosperity.
Thank you.
Abdelmonem Saad Ahmed
While I can appreciate all that having international students brings to the U.S. and to students on both sides, I can’t help but wonder if American K-12 math and science education programs were better, would we be able to fill spots in engineering schools and other STEM programs with American students. Seems to me immigration could then fall to the back burner as we would have Americans with the skills needed to fill high tech and other special skills jobs that we are now forced to fill with folks from abroad.