Foreign studies

American colleges and universities are sending a record number of students abroad at the same time the number of foreign students studying here has also hit an all-time high.

The latest statistics compiled by the Institute for International Education show there were 262,416 students studying in foreign lands during the 2007-08 academic year. That is 8.5 percent more than the previous year.

Foreign student enrollment here also went up 8 percent in the 2008-09 school year to 671,616 students. That is the largest percentage increase since 1980-81 in the annual survey of U.S. colleges and universities. It was also 14.5 percent more than the previous peak enrollment year of 2002-03.

International student enrollment had fallen off after 9-11, in part due to visa restrictions and more difficult entry requirements.

American students preferred to study in the United Kingdom followed by Italy, Spain, France and China. India sent the most students to the United States — 103,000. China sent more than 98,000 students.

Many universities are stepping up their efforts to attract foreign students.

They have a significant impact by contributing almost $18 billion to the U.S. economy in housing, food and other living expenses. They also help maintain enrollment in academic programs that might otherwise be cut or eliminated.

Less tangible benefits from such exchanges, though, are the cultural awareness and understanding students will take home with them.