International Student University Enrollment During our secondary data search, we were enlightened to the many issues, which face an international student when choosing a university. In this paper we would like to first highlight trends of international student enrollment in American universities. Next, we will discuss the advantages of studying in the United States. Finally, we would like to list some of the many reasons that an international student may choose a certain university. Trends in EnrollmentThe study of enrollment trends in groups of international students shows how changes in a universitys environment and characteristics will affect its total enrollment (Paulsen). According to the Institute for International Education, the number of international students studying at American colleges and universities increased by 5.1 percent in the 1997-98 school year to a total of 481,280 (Honan). Fifty-percent of these students enter universities as undergraduates with the rest entering to pursue a graduate or professional education. (edupass.org) Remarkably, fifty-percent of those undergraduates are enrolled in community colleges (Backman, 1984), and according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, twice as many international students are enrolled in community colleges as where ten years ago (Desruissueaux, 1998).Increases in enrollment may be attributed to many factors. William Honan of the New York Times attributes this increase in enrollment to increased overseas recruiting, the Asian economic crisis, and the decreased cost of community colleges. Economic factors may effect enrollment trends more than any other factor. For example, enrollment may be effected positively from decreasing opportunities for non-college graduates which may be caused by recession (Paulsen and Pogue, 1988). International students come from many different parts of the world. Statistics show that: 5% come from Africa, 58% from Asia, 14% from Europ...
