Foreign Students Remain Eager to Study in US
Many of the U.S. colleges and universities that are most popular among foreign students are reporting an increase in international applicants, despite surveys earlier this year that warned of a drop.
VOA Student Union contacted 20 schools with the largest populations of foreign students. Fourteen institutions reported that international applications from undergraduates increased or remained stable. Six reported drops. Collectively, the schools account for about 20 percent of all foreign students studying at U.S. universities and colleges.
The final tally of foreign students who applied and enrolled in American universities each year is not publicly reported until November. For now, the VOA survey indicates that foreign students’ interest remains high and the number of foreigners choosing to study in America continues to grow after topping one million for the first time in the 2015-16 school year.
A few months ago, a survey of the schools indicated declining interest from foreigners. The Institute for International Education (IIE) conducted a survey in March of 250 schools nationwide, showing a nearly 40 percent decline in applications from foreign students. The survey was conducted shortly after President Donald Trump issued a travel ban on immigrants — including students — from six Muslim-majority countries. Read more…