A total of 2,256 UAE students studying in US universities and colleges contributed $66,058,000 to the US economy during 2012-2013, a report said.

The estimates are based on the latest 2013 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, released by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

“The number of UAE students studying in the United States rose to 2,256 in 2012/2013, according to figures released by the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi,” explained Peter Davos, managing director, Carian College Advisors, a Dubai-based education consultancy on US admissions.

The latest report of the independent not-for-profit organization founded in 1919 reveals that the total number of international students studying in U.S. colleges and universities reached a record high of 819,644 students during the 2012/2013 academic year.

The global report says that the economic contribution of the 819,644 international students in US universities and colleges and their families was remarkable, as they supported 313,000 jobs and contributed $24 billion to the U.S. economy.

“This represents a 6.2 per cent increase in job support and creation, and nearly 10 percent increase in US dollars contributed to the economy from international students overall in 2013 compared with 2012,” Davos added.

“Over the years, there has been a steady rise in the number of UAE and international students joining US universities, as the US education system enjoys high reputation among UAE students.”

During 2014, Carian College Advisors helped UAE students secure admissions to many leading US universities, such as Stanford, Brown, Penn, Columbia, the University of Chicago, and Johns Hopkins.

Davos added: “There are tremendous educational opportunities in the United States for students from the UAE. These students integrate more seamlessly into the US education system, thanks to the multicultural culture of the UAE and diverse curricula of its schools.

“The UAE hosts a wide range of American, British, Indian, and IB curriculum system schools, all of which are familiar to US Admissions officer.  However, students need independent guidance and expertise in order to maximize their chances of admission and secure considerable merit aid in the form of scholarships and grants.” – TradeArabia News Service