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Why International
Recruitment Matters
"Nothing, absolutely nothing, can replace the kind of learning that happens
when individuals are able to have direct contact, for a considerable period of time,
with people from different cultures and backgrounds."
Harvard President Neil L. Rudenstine
In this increasingly global world, international exchange has never been more important than now. In the United States, foreign students bring many diplomatic, economic and academic benefits that have immediate and long-term effects for our nation and the world.
Strategic Diplomatic Benefits
International students in the United States gain greater knowledge and appreciation for American values, customs, political systems and business practices. Many of these students return to positions of power in their native countries after graduation, helping to further important U.S. national interests. Particularly, in Latin America and Asia, the advancement of democracy and economic growth has been attributed to a generation of national leaders who have studied in the United States.
As former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright noted, "Our foreign policy goals are enhanced immeasurably by international education . . . leaders who have studied in the U.S. better understand our culture and system of government."
Today, hundreds of business and political leaders around the world have attended U.S. colleges and universities. In Taiwan, more cabinet-level officials have Ph.D. degrees from American educational institutions than U.S. cabinet officials, according to IEF Education Foundation.
See U.S.-educated world leaders.
Economic Contributions
International students bring a number of important economic benefits as well. In 2000, these students contributed more than $12 billion to the U.S. economy with their expenditures for tuition, living expenses and related costs. This makes education the fifth largest U.S. service export, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Nearly all these students pay full tuition, which helps subsidize many American students' education at various colleges and universities. Family members and personal sources contribute the majority of funds for more than two-thirds of all foreign students.
At the same time, international students provide Americans with greater knowledge of other cultures and values. They are often Americans' first personal contact to a particular nation. This is important, considering that experts believe much of the world's economic growth will come from countries like China, India and Brazil, which are cultures less familiar to many U.S. citizens. The United States must continue to develop citizens knowledgeable about the world, if it is to succeed in this increasingly interdependent global economy. Foreign students can help a great deal in this area.
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