The number of Americans studying at South African universities has increased by 12.4 percent in the 2009/10 academic year, said the US embassy.

According to the Open Doors Report, which is published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the number of students has risen from 3 700 to 4 160 students.

"I am very pleased that American students are choosing to study abroad in a growing diversity of locations," said Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs.

"This year the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will support 1,600 American students in its Fulbright Program, for graduating seniors and graduate students, while our Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports 2,000 American undergraduate students with financial need to study abroad. In a globalized economy, this just makes sense for our young people and our country."

Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education, said "As educators our challenge remains one of making international a part of what it means to become educated. International experience provides key skills needed by American graduates to succeed in the global workforce."

There are more American students studying in South Africa universities than in any other sub-Saharan country. “These are exciting numbers for South Africa. The 12 percent growth in American students in South Africa really highlights the strength of the higher education system here in this country, as well as the strong partnership between US and South African institutions of higher learning,” says Clara Priester, the Education USA Regional Director for East and Southern Africa -- based at the US Consulate in Johannesburg.

Priester said that the US was looking forward to increasing the number of students who travel to this country from the US, as well as South Africans who study in America.

“It is exactly this type of exchange that strengthens friendship and understanding between nations.”

In 2009/10, South Africa sent 1 656 students to United States colleges and universities.

Worldwide, the number of international students studying in accredited US institutions rose by 2.9 percent to 690 923 in the academic year 2009/10, despite the global downturn.

The report said that Sub-Saharan Africa showed a small decrease of 8 percent from 32 728 students in 2008/09 to 32 121 in 2009/10.

The top 10 Africa countries sending students to study in the US account for 84% of the 32 121 students. Nigeria occupied the first place for the second year running, followed by Kenya and Ghana. South Africa, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uganda round out the top 10.

BuaNews and the Skills Portal

For further details on the: "Open Doors 2010 U.S. Study Abroad" and "Open Doors 2010 International Students in the U.S." Reports click here Institute of International Education

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