International Students: Are They Being Exploited?

International students in the United States can enrol in various academic programs, from kindergarten to graduate and doctorate programs. For students in K-12 schools, their parents may accompany them during their studies by applying for a B-2 visa. At the university level, international students can choose a major (the focus of their academic studies) and, in some cases, a minor (a secondary academic focus). A minor typically requires about half the total classes of a major and allows students to explore different disciplines and gain a well-rounded education. While not always necessary, declaring a minor can provide international students with additional skills and knowledge that may open up a wider variety of career opportunities.

International students' impact on the US economy

International students have a significant impact on the US economy, contributing billions of dollars annually through tuition fees, living expenses, and the creation of jobs. In the 2021/22 academic year, nearly one million international students studying in the US contributed $33.8 billion to the US economy and supported more than 335,000 jobs. This figure is even higher when considering the broader impact of the education sector as a whole, with education exports contributing $41 billion in 2018-19 and $45.3 billion in educational exports in 2019.

The economic impact of international students is felt at both the national and state levels. For example, in the 2018/19 academic year, international students contributed $6.8 billion to the economy of California, which hosts the highest number of international students. Similarly, smaller states like Rhode Island and the District of Columbia see a high economic impact from international students relative to their size.

International students also contribute to the US economy through innovation and entrepreneurship. One-quarter of the founders of billion-dollar startups in the US are international students, and these companies have created jobs and transformed industries. International students are also more likely to pay higher tuition fees, which helps universities provide scholarships and lower the cost of education for domestic students.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the number of international students in the US and their ability to contribute to the economy. Travel restrictions, visa issues, and financial challenges have resulted in a significant decrease in international students since 2020. The decrease in employment opportunities and available resources has made it more challenging for international students to afford their education and maintain their legal status, as many rely on part-time jobs to support their studies.

Despite these recent challenges, the US remains one of the most popular destinations for international students due to its large economy and low unemployment rates. The economic benefits of attracting international students are clear, and the US should continue to encourage foreign students to enroll in its schools and universities for its economic growth and to support the diversity and vibrancy of its education system.

International students in China

International students are individuals who pursue their education in a country other than their own. In 2022, there were over 6.9 million international students worldwide, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being the top three destinations, receiving 39% of international students.

China, on the other hand, has been a leading destination for international students, especially those from Anglophone African countries. In 2016, China was the third-largest receiver of international students, with 442,773 international students. The number of international students in China has been steadily increasing since 2003, and in 2016, the majority of these students came from Asia (60%), followed by Europe (16%) and Africa (14%). Beijing and Shanghai are the top study destinations within China, with Beijing hosting 77,234 international students (17.44%) and Shanghai 59,887 (13.53%).

International students are attracted to China by the country's highly ranked universities, which offer a range of programs in various fields, including engineering, science, technology, arts, humanities, and social sciences. For example, Peking University (PKU) in Beijing is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China, ranked in the top 20 globally. Tsinghua University in Beijing is another excellent option for international students, offering over 30 English-taught master's degrees in various subjects.

In contrast to the increasing international student enrollment in China, the United States has seen a decline in Chinese student enrollment due to rising tensions and suspicions of espionage. Despite this, international education is beneficial for fostering cross-cultural connections and creating economic impact, with international students contributing over $50 billion to the United States economy.

International students' visa requirements in the US

International students seeking to study in the United States must obtain a student visa. The type of visa depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. The two most common types of student visas are the F and M visas.

F Visa

The F visa is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies. There are two types of F visas:

• F-1 Visa: This is the most popular type of student visa for students seeking to study at a US university or college. It is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). To be eligible for an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program at a SEVP-accredited institution. The duration of stay on an F-1 visa varies based on the program in which the student is enrolled. Students with an F-1 visa may be eligible to work in the US, but only on-campus or in a job related to their studies.
• F Visa (Non-Academic): This visa is for non-academic exchange visitors, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.

M Visa

The M visa is for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies. There are two types of M visas:

• M-1 Visa: This visa is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.
• M Visa (Academic): This visa is for academic students or exchange visitors.

J Visa

The J-1 exchange visitor visa is for foreign nationals who have been approved to participate in work-and-study-based exchange programs. J-1 visa holders must contact their responsible officer to determine if they are eligible to work outside their program of study.

Student Visa Requirements and Application Process

To obtain a student visa, international students must meet certain requirements and follow a specific application process. Here are the key steps:

• Enroll in a SEVP-certified school: The school must be approved by the SEVP and authorized by the US government to accept foreign students.
• Complete the DS-160 visa application form: This is the standard visa application form for all non-immigrant visa types.
• Provide supporting documents: Students must submit various supporting documents, including their passport, travel itinerary, photo for their visa, academic records, standardized test scores, and evidence of financial support.
• Attend a visa interview: During the interview, a consular officer will evaluate the student's qualifications and intentions. The student must demonstrate their ability to cover their study and living expenses and confirm their plan to return to their home country after completing their studies.
• Pay the visa fee: The total cost for an F-1 student visa is approximately $535, including the visa fee and SEVIS processing and maintenance fees.
• Receive the visa: After a successful interview and payment of fees, the student will be granted their visa and can begin their studies in the US.

International students' enrolment numbers in the US

International student enrolment in the US reached a record high in the 2023-24 academic year, with over 1.1 million students, according to the Institute of International Education's Open Doors report. This number included 502,000 international graduate students, a 7.6% increase from 2022-23, and approximately 343,000 undergraduates, a 1.4% decline. The report also noted that 56% of international students enrolled in STEM programs, with a quarter studying math and computer science, and 19% studying engineering.

The US has one of the largest education systems in the world, with over 3000 universities as of 2022. It remains the world's most attractive destination for international students, as it is home to most of the world's top universities. However, recent policy changes under the Trump administration have resulted in a decline in international student numbers in the US. Despite this, the US still has the largest international student population in the world.

Indian students constitute a significant proportion of the international student body in the US. In 2023-24, the number of Indian students surpassed that of Chinese students, making Indians the largest international student cohort (29.4%) in the US. However, F-1 visa denials have surged to a 10-year high, with the US denying 41% of applications in 2023-24. This has contributed to a decrease in Indian student enrolments in the US.

While the US continues to attract a large number of international students, there is increasing competition from other countries. The UK, for example, has expanded the number of degree programs offered and now includes more courses with January start dates, which are popular among international students. Additionally, countries like Germany, which introduced tuition-free education in 2014, have seen a steady growth in international student numbers.

Free summer programs for international students

There are a variety of free summer programs for international students, which can provide financial aid in the form of tuition waivers, stipends, and travel expense coverage. These programs are a great opportunity for international students to gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and build a global network. Here are some notable free summer programs for international students:

Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code offers two free summer programs for high school students who identify as girls or non-binary. The first is a two-week virtual intensive program featuring live-streamed classes taught by industry leaders, covering coding basics such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The second is a six-week self-paced program that combines live lessons with a flexible curriculum, along with mentorship from industry experts. Both programs aim to bridge the gender gap in technology and provide need-based stipends.

TASS Summer Programs

The Academy for Software Engineering at the New York City Department of Education offers two free summer programs for high school juniors (US and international): TASS-CBS (Critical Black Studies) and TASS-AOS (Anti-Oppressive Studies). Hosted at multiple universities, these programs aim to develop critical thinking and leadership skills while exploring topics related to history, literature, politics, and art from the perspective of people of African descent.

Princeton Summer Journalism Program

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a free, hybrid (virtual and residential) summer program for high school sophomores and juniors from underrepresented communities worldwide. It offers lectures and workshops taught by renowned journalists, discussion groups, and seminars about the college admissions process.

MIT STEM Program

Each year, MIT hosts a free six-week summer program for 80 international high school seniors with strong academic records. The program focuses on fundamental scientific research, reading cutting-edge STEM publications, writing research papers, and presenting conference reports.

University of Chicago's UWC Global Academy

This all-expenses-paid summer program is open to recent high school graduates in the United World Colleges International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It offers a three-week online intensive course, followed by a weeklong trip to the University of Chicago campus, allowing students to earn college credits.

KAUST Summer Camp

KAUST Summer Camp in Switzerland offers full scholarships for recent graduates, senior undergraduates, or current master's students. The program includes a tuition fee waiver, stipend, logistics and visa support, free accommodation, and a certificate of completion.

Tsinghua University Summer Program

Tsinghua University in China provides a paid program with tuition fee waivers, free accommodation, meals, and cultural visits for graduates, postgraduates, and doctoral degree students.

These are just a few examples of the many free summer programs available for international students. Each program has unique eligibility requirements, application processes, and benefits, so be sure to research and apply to the ones that align with your interests and goals.

Frequently asked questions