The number of international students at UVA increased by roughly 5 percent between 2010 and 2011, according to a new report from the Institute of International Education. Statewide data suggests that the majority may be from China, the country of origin for more than 20 percent of international students in Virginia.
“To no small extent, students’ own economic prospects are being affected by the China trade and the growth of the Chinese economy,” John Shepherd, director of UVA’s East Asis Center, told C-VILLE in 2009. “China also represents important opportunities for students, in terms of jobs.”
More than 2,100 international students attended UVA this year, compared to 2,020 in 2010. That total suggests international students account for roughly 10 percent of all students on the UVA Grounds. UVA remains slightly behind both Virginia Tech and George Mason University for total number, but posted a greater increase in international students from 2010 to 2011. According to the Washington Post, UVA’s Chinese enrollment has increased by 44 percent in the last decade.
And while Virginia dropped a few ranks for states with the greatest numbers of international students, it didn’t hurt the state economy. Foreign students in Virginia accounted for $387 million in spending this year—a $30 million jump from 2010.
