Research Shows Impact of TAMIU’s International Students here $4.6 Million

Last week, Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) was part of the nation’s celebration of International Education Week (Nov. 16-20). While the celebration focused on the University’s international student population, it also helped to underscore the impact they have on Laredo, and the nation.

Research by NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, shows that the 2014-15 impact of TAMIU’s international students in Laredo exceeds $4.6 million and supports 32 jobs.

According to NAFSA, international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contribute $30.5 billion to the U.S. economy and support 373,381 jobs in the U.S.

In addition, analyzing data from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Commerce and the Institute of International Education for the 2014-15 academic year, NAFSA researchers determined that for every seven international students enrolled, three U.S. jobs are created and supported by spending in higher education, accommodation, dining, retail, transportation, telecommunication and health insurance sectors.

TAMIU associate vice president for Student Affairs, Jerry Alva, said that while the economic impact of international student enrollment is substantial, there are larger impacts.

“While the economic contribution of international students is impressive, the more immeasurable, lasting value is the academic and cultural value these students bring to our campus and our community.  We are ‘The International U’ because of these students, who broaden all of our experiences by their presence. We also know that their presence helps to drive participation by other students in our Study Abroad offerings,” Alva explained.

He noted that this semester at TAMIU, the University has 236 foreign students enrolled from 35 countries. A student group from India is the campus’ largest. This semester, students in TAMIU’s Reading the Globe program will visit India.

To learn more about TAMIU international student services, programs and study abroad, visit http://www.tamiu.edu/international/student.shtml

The Spring Semester at TAMIU begins Wednesday, Jan. 20.  Registration is underway.

NAFSA was founded in 1948 as the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers to promote the professional development of U.S. college and university officials assisting and advising the 25,000 foreign students who had come to study in the U.S. after World War II.

To better reflect the role of NAFSA members in all aspects of international education and exchange, the name of the association was changed in 1990 to NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

To find out more about NAFA, visit: http://www.nafsa.org