International student enrollments rise. . .

The number of non-U.S. students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions during the 2007-2008 academic year jumped 7 percent to a record total of 623,805, according to a report from the Institute of International Education (IIE).

“In today’s competitive international environment, the increase in enrollments noted in this year’s Open Doors data demonstrates again that the U.S. remains the premier destination for international students,” said Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Goli Ameri in welcoming the report, Open Doors 2008. “The U.S. government joins the U.S. higher education community in a commitment to welcome international students to the United States. As someone who graduated from an American university as an international student, I have experienced America’s welcome personally and can testify that America’s universities not only accept and welcome international students warmly, but transform their lives.”

First-time enrollments increased 10 percent in 2007-2008, following a similar 10 percent rise the previous year.