Americans studying abroad

More than ever, on 2004, American students now recognize the importance of study abroad in a globally interdependent world. In the first full academic year after the 9/11 attacks (academic year 2002/03), the number of U.S. higher education students receiving credit for study abroad increased sharply by 8.5% from the previous year, reaching a record total of 174,629, according to Open Doors 2004, the annual report on international education published by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with funding from the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The 8.5% increase in U.S. students receiving credit for study abroad in academic year 2002/03 represents significantly stronger growth than the previous year's 4.4 % increase. This increase remains a strong indicator of the tremendous interest in study abroad, both in spite of and in response to the changing geopolitical climate following 9/11. As study abroad opportunities have become more plentiful, varied and more affordable, the number of students taking advantage of an academic experience abroad has increased dramatically. Since 1991/92, the number of students studying abroad for credit has more than doubled (from 71,154 to 174,629, an increase of 145%).
Study abroad in European countries increased by 9% this year to 109,907. The United Kingdom continues to be the leading destination for U.S. students (31,706, up 5%) followed by Italy (18,936, up 10%), up from third place last year, and Spain (18,865, up 10%). France remained the 4th largest host country, followed by two countries outside of Western Europe (Australia and Mexico). Open Doors reports notable increases in students going to Eastern Europe (5,017, up 21%), including the Czech Republic (1,997, up 20%), Russia (1,521, up 20%) and Hungary (562, up 24%). Numbers of U.S. students studying in Latin America also continued to rise (up 14% to 26,643), with Mexico continuing to be the largest host country in the region (up 9% to 8,775). Americans studying in the Middle East were down by 51% (to 648 students) reflecting a sharp decline in the number of students studying in the largest host country in the region, Israel (340, down 67%). However, U.S. enrollments in Turkey grew sharply (228, up 77%) and in Northern Africa (495, up 15%), where there was a 26% increase in the number of students studying in Egypt (to 303), and a 12% increase in students studying Morocco (to 191). Numbers of American students studying in Australia continued to expand (10,691, up 13%). Numbers were also up sharply in New Zealand (1,917, up 45%), with Oceania (12,749, up 16%) being the world region with the strongest growth in U.S. students abroad.