e, 10% from Latin America, 7% from the Middle East, and 5% from Canada (edupass.org). Over the last ten years, there has been an increase in students from East Asia, South Central Asia, and South East Asia. There has been a moderate increases in students from Europe and Canada, but a decline in enrollment of students from the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America (Ubadigbo, 1997). Advantages of Studying in the United StatesDue to the recent globalization of the economy, it is perceived that students with international experience have a competitive edge in the job market. The Study Abroad Foundation also cites that, Greater self-confidence, improved intercultural understanding, deepened empathy for others and improved knowledge of global affairs are all tangible benefits of studying abroad. Believing these statements to be true, international students feel there are many advantages to studying in the United States. According to Zikopoulos and Barber, the main attraction of foreign study in the United States was the perceived high quality of education here. The quality is primarily due to a broad variety of classes with modern facilities such as computer labs and libraries (Bucklew). The United States is also home to many well know institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and Cornell (Desruisseaux 1998). The prestige of studying at one of these universities may add considerable value to an international students professional development. Many international students feel that studying in the United States will broaden their cultural awareness as well as allowing them to make contacts with colleagues in the United States. Reasons for Choosing a UniversityAmerican universities have increasingly attracted international students for a variety of reasons. Many of these reasons include:Admission RequirementsAcademic Reputation/ Quality of InstructionSchool SizeGeographical LocationWeather/ClimateSchool Setting (city or rura...
