KATHMANDU, Nov 20: Although the number of Nepali students visiting the US has decreased marginally as compared to the previous years, the US has remained one of the most preferred destinations for further education, according to figures released by the Institute of International Education and US Department of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs.
The 2019 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange data released on Monday shows the number of Nepali students studying in the United States remained strong and the US is still a preferred choice for Nepali students who plan to study abroad.
Nepal ranks 12th in both undergraduate and graduate students in the US, totaling 13,229.
Also, the number of undergraduate students and students pursuing optional practical trainings has increased. According to the report, a total of 1.09 million international students enrolled in the United States in the 2018/19 academic year – an all-time high.
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Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce said they are happy to see the continued growth in the number of international students in the United States and US students studying abroad.
“Promoting international student mobility remains a top priority for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and we want even more students in the future to see the United States as the best destination to earn their degrees,” a press statement issued by US Embassy in Kathmandu quoted as saying.
“International exchange makes our colleges and universities more dynamic for all students and an education at a US institution can have a transformative effect for international students, just like study abroad experiences can for US students.”
The Open Doors Report also marks the celebration of International Education Week (IEW).
Organized from November 18-22, IEW is a joint initiative of the US Department of State and the US Department of Education designed to attract future leaders to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.
In support of IEW 2019, the US Embassy in Nepal, with its partner organizations, the United States Educational Foundation Nepal, Kathmandu University, and the American Center will be hosting a series of events, according to the statement.
Featured events include: ‘Get Inspired’ programs, a Higher Education Administrator Workshop, a Nepali alumni of US universities presentation, a student visa presentation, a webinar, and an online college fair, according to the statement.
An education mela will conclude the week of activities promoting US higher education and exchange opportunities for Nepali students.
