After decades of growth in international student enrollment in higher education, the total number of international students studying in the United States leveled off and even dropped slightly between 2002 and 2006, the first decline in over 30 years according to a report by the Government Accountability Office.
In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the United States tightened its immigration policy, making it difficult for international students to come to the United States. Although the United States continues to be the leading destination for international students, between 2000 and 2008, the percentage of international students has dropped from 26 percent to 20 percent. The U.S. image has been tarnished and has seen declines in both the Muslim world as well as many of America's oldest allies, affecting foreign relations and national interests. President Barack Obama recently stated that improving relationships with other countries is important to promoting American interests and ideals. GAO also recently reported that improving the U.S. image abroad is an urgent issue needing presidential and Congressional attention.
The GAO recommends that by funding education, the U.S. can help promote mutual understanding among people in different countries (public diplomacy) as well as providing assistance to developing nations to build their economic, social, and technological capacities (development assistance). The report provides information to Congress about how funding higher education can bring about public diplomacy and development assistance.
The Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (State) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) possess many programs that support the recently mentioned efforts. Through the programs, the U.S. is able to create face-to-face exchange opportunities with foreign students, researchers, professionals, and educators to provide a better understanding of a nation's views, values, and culture. The United States also funds higher education for international students to help developing nations alleviate poverty and promote peace and security, public health, economic growth, education, and democratization.
Promoting study in the United States can support a range of U.S. objectives in addition to the public diplomacy and development goals supported by State and USAID efforts according to the report.
"The United States has relied on undergraduate and graduate students from other countries as important sources of innovation and productivity in our increasingly knowledge-based economy. Such students who remain in the country after completing their studies have brought needed research and workforce skills and strengthened our labor force. For example, international students have earned about one-third or more of the degrees at both the master's and doctoral levels in engineering, math and computer science, and the physical sciences."
Researching five peer governments (Australia, China, the European Commission, Germany, and the United Kingdom) for review, officials from these governments have spoken highly and in support of the international education. They have praised it for reasons such as helping in foreign relations, diplomatic goals, linkage to foreign countries, promoting exchanges, strengthening friendship, increasing international appeal, development of developing countries, building a high skilled workforce and learning about other nations cultures.
The United States is able to advance both diplomatic and country development goals through higher education by reaching out to students in developing countries and equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to support efforts in their own countries according to the report.
"The United States has historically relied on international students to fill critical skill gaps in the economy and, in particular, has relied heavily on international students to fill critical skill gaps in science, math, engineering, and technology fields. Finally, international education also contributed $15.5 billion to U.S. economy in 2007-2008, according to data from the Department of Commerce," the report states.
To promote international higher education countries have developed broad marketing strategies such as developing a national brand through the use of logos and slogans to promote higher education systems among international communities. In addition, the countries have developed web sites to inform possible students of academics, application, support, and lifestyles. They also detail financing, requirements, listing of schools, etc. Also, these countries including the U.S., have implemented overseas information centers.
These centers are designed to facilitate in-country outreach and provide information and guidance to prospective international students. They also help to develop strategic partnerships with foreign governments and educational institutions according to the report.
There are also scholarships available. Most of them are merit-based to graduate level students to cover tuition and some other expenses. But there are a few programs that award scholarships for undergraduate or vocational study, some on need-based criteria. An example is the USAID funding study for high achieving low-income students who otherwise do not have the means to cover such an education. Also, the U.S. Global Undergraduate Exchange Program awards all scholarships to undergraduate students.
According to program officials, shorter, non-degree-granting scholarships may be more appropriate for vocational or undergraduate participants because they help ensure students return and reintegrate into their home societies. Program officials and abroad challenge the statement saying that "undergraduate students' career goals are often evolving and their career trajectories less well defined. For this reason, U.S. and foreign officials said that graduate students, who have already committed to a field of study, may be better suited for some program goals, such as building leadership and making technological advances," according to the report.
But in order to make sure that these programs that administer public diplomacy and development assistance are successful, officials have cited strategies that will contribute greatly to a successful outcome. Strategies such as offering preparatory courses or program orientation to all scholarship recipients aids in helping the student learn additional language, cultural, or academic skills. It is also noted that participants in the program receive health exams and complete the steps to attain their visa. Officials note the importance of aligning courses of study with human resources and capacity building needs. This aids in helping the student locating a job upon returning to their country. Lastly, officials note the importance of alumni networking. With a strong alumni network, officials can reach out to future applicants, track alumni as well as assess their careers and accomplishments. This helps to continue the relationship between students and their host country.
By Michael Jones II
NASFAA Communications Intern
Posted 05/22/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.
