Record number of foreigners studying in US universities and colleges
According to "Novye Izvestia", foreigners most often choose exact sciences: they study cybernetics, mathematics, physics, chemistry. There are fewer humanities majors among them, but they do exist – mainly lawyers.
According to the International Institute of Higher Education, the number of foreigners enrolled in US universities and colleges in the current academic year has increased by almost 18%. Among the countries whose citizens most often study in American universities are the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Canada, South Korea, Brazil, and especially China.
The reason for the influx of students is clear. "According to UNESCO, out of the 45 best universities in the world, 30 are located in the US," notes Peggy Blumenthal, senior consultant at the International Institute of Higher Education. Also playing a role is the fact that authorities in many countries, primarily China, are pursuing a targeted policy to increase the number of citizens with American diplomas.
Another reason for the growth in the number of foreign students is that they are beneficial to the universities themselves. Already, due to the increase in the number of foreigners studying in American universities, noticeable changes have occurred. English language teaching programs for foreigners have been significantly expanded. American professors teaching foreign students have even received salary increases.
Thus, the salaries of professors at the University of Chicago have increased this year to nearly $190,000. Universities, which are usually stingy like any employer about raising salaries, can now afford it. Unlike Americans who study on credit, foreign students usually pay the full cost of tuition. In addition, they also pay for accommodation in university dormitories. In total, 7,200 students study at the University of Illinois.
According to the American Association of University Professors, foreign students have contributed about $12 billion to the financial budgets of the country's higher education institutions over the past five years. This is roughly the same as the budget of a small European state, such as Estonia.
Finally, the tolerance of native-born Americans towards foreigners has also played a role. If, for example, in the UK, polls show a growing number of those who support measures to limit the number of foreign students, Americans do not oppose the increase in the number of foreigners with diplomas from American universities.