Interstride

The US now hosts a record 1.12 million international students, the highest number in history. TL;DR? Here are the key takeaways: ?? Economic impact. International students contribute $50 billion annually to the US economy through tuition, living expenses, and more. ?? India rises to the top. India has surpassed China as the largest source country of international students to the US, with 331,602 students—a 23% increase over last year. Together, China and India account for 54% of all international students in the US, though Chinese student numbers declined by 4.2% to 277,398. ?? Graduate school dominates. Graduate students now represent the largest share of international enrollments, up 7.6% to 502,291, a record high, following consistent double-digit growth in recent years. ?? STEM leads. 56% of international students pursue STEM disciplines, aligning with global workforce demands. Engineering remains a standout field, attracting 19% of these students. ?? Record OPT participation. Optional Practical Training (OPT) numbers hit an all-time high, with a 22% increase to 242,782 participants. This reflects the rising number of graduate students using OPT to gain work experience and enter the US workforce. ?? Top states and universities. California, New York, and Texas are the most popular states for international students, while New York University leads US institutions with 27,247 international students. ?? Expanding representation. International students now make up 5.9% of the total US higher education student body, with recruitment efforts paving the way for further growth. International students don’t just study here—they drive innovation, cultural exchange, and economic impact. Their presence is a catalyst for progress! ???? #InternationalEducation #GlobalImpact #HigherEducation #OPT ?? Read more on Forbes: https://lnkd.in/g2c5c-Jp

? Only two days left! This is your final call to grab a ticket for our virtual symposium this Friday. We’re bringing together experts and advocates for an incredible day of learning, all about building bridges, closing gaps, and shaping empowered futures for international students and beyond. ??? This event also kicks off #InternationalEducationWeek next week, so come show your support, join the movement, and be part of something impactful. ?? Last chance to register: https://lnkd.in/g-9E2_qJ ?? P.S. Interstride partners can attend for free. Simply register with your school email. #InternationalEducation #GlobalEducation #InternationalStudents #InterstrideSymposium #BuildingBridges #ShapingFutures

?? We’re taking a bold new step in our mission to empower international students worldwide! Excited to introduce our first global partner, LCC International University, Lithuania. Special thanks to Derek Benthem for making this collaboration possible. Together, we're expanding horizons and creating pathways for students to connect, grow, and succeed across borders. Welcome to the journey! ??

?? Only ONE week to go! Next Friday, November 15th, we’re going live with our Virtual Symposium, and you don’t want to miss this! ?? From top-notch speakers to expert tips, it's your all-access pass to international student success—and here's the best part: all Interstride partner schools can join FREE! ?? Secure your spot today and get ready to level up! ?? #InterstrideSymposium https://lnkd.in/gXzF9Fjv

?? Make the best decision for you! As an international student, take time to review job offers based on your needs. Most offers come with a 1-week deadline, but if you need more, don’t hesitate to negotiate for extra time. Just be sure to decide within the agreed deadline. Remember, you have options—choose what aligns best with your goals. ???

?? Key challenges and recommended strategic solutions to help institutions attract, support, and retain a diverse international student community, as presented by Oxford International Education Group. These insights enable higher education institutions to build sustainable enrollment plans and stay competitive in the global landscape. ?????? ????????????????????: ?? ?????????????????? ????????????????????????????: Students from the Global South need greater support to afford a US education. How can institutions balance financial aid with revenue goals? ?? ???????????????????? i???????????????????? p??????????????: Visa denials and immigration challenges often disproportionately impact students from certain regions. Higher-ed institutions must advocate for policies that promote accessibility and diversity. ?? ?????? ??????????????????????: With shifting national policies, universities must navigate state regulations while striving for inclusivity on campus. ?????????????????? ??????????????????: ?? ????????-???????????? ????????????????: Using data analytics to track shifts in student demographics and preferences can help institutions identify new markets and adapt recruitment efforts to align with the needs of prospective students. ?? ???????????????????? ?????????????? ??????????????: Attracting international students is only the beginning; providing comprehensive support is key to ensure international student success, satisfaction, and retention. ?? ???????????????????? ????????????????????: The Institute of International Education found that institutions utilizing targeted engagement strategies saw a 15% increase in international student applications. Focusing down on engagement strategies allows you to build more meaningful connections with both prospective and current students, fostering a sense of belonging and long-term success. By prioritizing these efforts, universities can enrich their academic communities, shape a diverse workforce, and build a legacy in global education. ?? ?? Learn more about how Interstride's engagement platform can amplify your recruitment and marketing efforts: https://lnkd.in/gPndWk2K

???????????????? We wanted to share an impactful film created by Arthur Musah, a Ghanaian alum from University of Southern California (USC), one of our partner schools. This documentary follows four remarkable international students from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda as they study at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). ?? In this film, Musah captures the journey of these African students navigating life in the US, stepping outside of their comfort zone, and redefining their ideas and perspectives. ?? Watch as they begin to question, learn, and figure out how to transform their dreams and aspirations into meaningful action and positive change for themselves, their home countries, and the world. There are not enough stories that capture the journeys and experiences of international students with such a grounded and realistic perspective. This film is an essential story to be told, offering insights to our higher education communities to listen, learn, and find inspiration to better support international students.??? To watch the full film, see it here: https://lnkd.in/gUzVTS7z

??? Join us this November for insightful immigration webinars, hosted by our legal partners at Fragomen ??. Our first webinar kicks off on Monday, November 4th, focusing on the US presidential election and its impact on immigration for international students. We will be discussing how potential changes could affect future plans, with expert insights to keep you informed. ???Next up, on Thursday, November 14th, we’ll host a session covering immigration pathways and solutions for DACA and other humanitarian statuses. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about options and strategies for navigating complex immigration scenarios. ??? Mark your calendars and register now for these important discussions: https://lnkd.in/g3zW6rHg #USElection #Election2024 #DACA #internationalstudents #USimmigration

?? Get ready for a spooktacular time! In just two weeks, we’re unmasking the secrets of international student success at our virtual Symposium on November 15! With an incredible lineup featuring Dr. Fanta Aw from NAFSA: Association of International Educators and Manny Contomanolis, PhD from Harvard University, plus experts from schools nationwide, this day will be packed with treats (no tricks!). ??? Check out our full list of speakers and sessions for a sneak peek into our fangtastic sessions: https://lnkd.in/gZdCmenj

?? Did you know? Millions of students cross borders each year to the US to pursue higher education, with most coming from high-income countries, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. ?? These numbers highlight the incredible migration and cultural exchange happening, but also remind us that international students face unique challenges and are often underserved. It’s time to shift our focus and rethink how we support these students, ensuring they have what they need to succeed and thrive.