Vietnamese students in the US increase for 17th straight year
The number of Vietnamese students in the US has increased consistently for 17 straight years, according to the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) annual “Open Doors” Report.
 |
| The number of Vietnamese students in the US has increased consistently for 17 straight years |
The data shows that 1,094,792 international students came to the US in the 2017-2018 AY, a 1.5% increase over last year. International students now make up 5.5% of all higher education students in the US, up slightly from 5.3% last year. Vietnamese students contribute US$881,000,000 to the US economy.
Of the 24,325 Vietnamese students in the US, 69.6% were undergraduates, 15.2% were graduate level students, 8.6% enrolled in Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the remaining 6.6% were pursuing non-degree programs.
Engineering, Business and Management, and Math and Computer Science remain the top selected fields of study by international students in AY2017-18. Math and Computer Science were the fastest growing fields of study with an increase of 11.3% from AY 2016-17, followed by Legal Studies and Law Enforcement with an increase of 10.4% from AY 2016-17. The top 10 states for international students include California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.
The data also revealed that Vietnam is becoming a more popular destination for American students. In AY2016-17, Vietnam welcomed 1,147 students from the US, an increase of 13.3%. Open Doors report is released annually during the International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative of the US Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.
The US Embassy in Hanoi is celebrating IEW 2018 with an open house and various information sessions in Hanoi, Quang Binh, and Quang Tri provinces to promote study in the United States, provide information on student visas and US government scholarship opportunities, reaching approximately 400 students and teachers in person, and around 1,200 online.
The US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City is marking IEW 2018 with a series of activities in Hue and at the American Center in Ho Chi Minh City. \
The “American Roadtrip” at Hue University and Quoc Hoc High School is helping to advise students on US exchange programs, study in the US, student visas, and soft-skill development.
At the American Center in Ho Chi Minh City, an information session on November 15 at 2:00 pm will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed on standardized tests required for university entrance. A panel discussion with senior international banking executives on November 16 at 2:00 pm will help parents navigate the financial aspects of supporting their children’s overseas education.
