New Record Reached by US Student Visas in 2008

The United States has always been an ideal venue for employment opportunities as well as education. It is said that one of the best methods by which America can be experienced is by obtaining an education from there. The United States Department of State proudly announced that as of 2007, a record high of 600,000 student visas have been issued to foreign exchange students. As compared to 2007 data and statistics on the issuance of student US visas, this figure shows a 10% increase.

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the United States government has thought of ways to encourage foreigners, especially exchange students, to apply for visas, as there was a significantly noted decrease in applications during this period. Maura Harty, US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs admits that these statistics are showing how successful the government efforts for inviting foreigners into the country have become. Harty also explains that the benefits of a United States education do not only reflect on the foreign exchange students, but has impact on their respective home countries as well. The goal of an American education should be towards learning in the US to better help their home country.

As stated by Maura Harty, the influx of exchange students into the United States promotes diversity, understanding, and awareness among different cultures. International friendships and alliances can be formed with these exposures. According to the Department of State, over 200 students of these foreign exchange programs are currently heads of state and leaders in their countries. One example, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, finished his undergraduate studies in Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Another example is Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, who studied for two years in Georgetown University in Washington DC.

There are three minimum requirements in order for an international student to be qualified for a United States student visa, as explained by Harty. The Department of State requires the student to show proof that he or she has been accepted and is currently an enrolled student in any American university or college. The student should also show evidence of sufficient funds that he or she can pay for her first year in the said school, afterwards, he or she can apply for a scholarship. The last requirement is that the student should intend on going back home to his or her country after completing the said US education.