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The number of international students studying in the United States increased by 8 percent to an all-time high of 671,616 in the 2008-'09 academic year, a survey has found.

This represents the largest percentage increase in international student enrollments since the 1980-'81 academic year, according to the Open Doors 2009 survey, whose results were published on Monday.

"The all-time high number ... testifies to the quality and diversity for which American higher education is known around the world," Judith McHale, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, said on Monday at the National Press Club in Washington.

The survey received funding from the US State Department.

India China, South Korea, Canada and Japan are the top five leading senders of students, the survey showed. The state of California hosted the largest number of foreign students with 93,124, followed by New York with 74,934 and Texas with 58.188.

International students reportedly contributed $17.8 billion to the US economy, according to the US Department of Commerce, while enriching US campuses and communities with their talent and diverse perspectives.

According to the report, the number of Americans studying abroad increased by 8.5 percent to 262,416 in the 2007-'08 academic year. Britain, Italy, Spain, France and China are the top five learning destinations for US students.

Commenting on the steady growth, McHale said studying abroad can help US students "understand our interconnected world and participate productively in the global economy".

Questions

1. China is one of leading five countries sending students overseas to study – name two others?

2. What is the percentage increase in the number of students studying in the US for 2008-09 academic year?

3. How much do international students contribute to the US economy?

Answers

1 India, South Korea, Canada or Japan

2. 8 per cent

3. $17.8 billion

（英语点津 Julie编辑）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.