Saudi Arabian students now constitute the fourth largest foreign student population in America, rising from only 4,000 just a decade ago to 110,000 students in 2013-14, said a report.

The Saudi government funding is helping create a new generation of American-educated leaders, said Carian College Advisors, an education consultancy specializing in US Admissions guidance.

The economic impact of these 110,000 Saudi students studying in US universities and colleges is significant, as they contributed $3.2 billion to the US economy during 2013-2014, it stated.

These estimates from Carian College Advisors are based on the latest figures from the US Department of Commerce.

“The number of Saudi students studying in the US has risen dramatically in recent years, positioning the kingdom as the fastest growing source of foreign students in the US. Saudis now constitute the fourth largest foreign student population in America, having increased from only 4,000 just a decade ago,” remarked Peter Davos, the managing director, Carian College Advisors,

The latest 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 reveals that the total number of international students studying in US 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 US economy.

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

“Over the years, there has been a rapidly increasing rise in the number of Saudi and international students joining US universities, as the US education system enjoys high reputation among GCC, and particularly Saudi students, in general,” he added.

During 2014, Carian College Advisors is geared to guide hundreds of Saudi students to secure admission to US universities.

“The majority of Saudi students need to enter foundation year programs in order to enhance their English language skills, prior to enrollment in full-time undergraduate study, but the pathways and infrastructure exists to accommodate these students," explained Davos.
 
"There is also considerable demand for admission to more selective institutions, particularly Engineering programs, from more academically prepared students," he added.

The kingdom's neighbour Bahrain too has 459 students studying in US universities and colleges thus contributing $13.5 million to the US economy during 2012-2013.

“There are tremendous education opportunities in the US for Bahraini students. Traditionally, Bahrain hosts a wide range of American, British and IB curriculum system schools, all of which are curricula that US Admissions are familiar with."

"We are the natural intermediary between Bahraini students and the US universities to which they are applying to, as our team of American consultants offers impartial and realistic guidance and advice,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service