According to Open Doors 2010, an annual report published by the Institute of International Education, there has been record growth of international students enrolling in US colleges and universities during the 2009-2010 academic year.
The rise was driven by a 30 percent increase in Chinese students enrolling in the US; Chinese students now account for more than 18 percent of foreign students in the US. The US Department of Commerce found international students contribute around $20 billion to the US economy in addition to their diverse perspectives, talents and ideas.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) sends emerging US leaders in many fields through an exchange program to more than 160 countries in hopes of promoting understanding. 40,000 individuals participate annually in the program and alumni of the program consist of over 51 Nobel Laureates and more than 340 current and past heads of state and government.
To read the full Open Doors 2010 report, visit www.iie.org/opendoors.