DUSHANBE, November 18, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- The number of Tajikistani students enrolled in U.S. institutions of higher education in 2007/2008 increased from 164 to 364, a 122% increase over the previous academic year, according to Open Doors 2008, a report published by the Institute of International Education with support from the U.S. State Department''s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Nigina Aliyeva, Media Assistant, US Embassy in Dushanbe, said. 

This is the largest-ever group of Tajikistani students studying in the United States.

This year’s report shows that the total number of international students at colleges and universities in the United States increased by 7% to a record high of 623,805 in the 2007/2008 academic year, and the total number now exceeds by 6% the previous all-time high of 586,323 reported in 2002/2003.  Open Doors data show an even stronger increase in the number of “new” international students, those enrolled for the first time at a U.S. college or university in fall 2007. New international student enrollments rose by 10%, following on increases of 10% and 8% for the previous two years.

““The U.S. remains a premier destination for students from Tajikistan who want to study abroad because of the quality and prestige associated with an American degree,” said Jackie McKennan, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer. “While some students participate in U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs, many apply directly to U.S. universities with the help of the Education USA advisors located in Dushanbe and Khujand.”

Of the Tajikistani students enrolled in a U.S. institute of higher education in 2007/2008, 137 were pursuing an undergraduate degree, and 48 studied for a graduate degree. Nearly half of the students from Tajikistan were enrolled in English as a second language or non-degree programs.

India was the largest source of international students, with more than 94,000 Indian citizens studying in the United States.  The most popular U.S. university for international students is the University of Southern California, which enrolls more than 7,000 students from around the world.

The Open Doors report is published by the Institute of International Education, the leading not-for-profit educational and cultural exchange organization in the United States. IIE has conducted an annual statistical survey of the international students in the United States since 1949, and with support from the U.S. Department of State''s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs since the early 1970s. The census is based on a survey of close to 3,000 accredited U.S. institutions.  Open Doors also reports on surveys on international scholars at U.S. universities; international students enrolled in pre-academic Intensive English Programs; and on U.S. students studying abroad (since 1985).

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State manages a wide range of academic, professional, and cultural exchanges that include approximately 40,000 participants annually, with the goal of increasing mutual understanding and respect between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.  ECA manages the Education USA network of advising offices for students around the world who wish to study in the United States.