Global Diversity Export Initiative Education Trade Mission Heads to South India
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, February 12, 2024
Contact: Office of Public Affairs
Email: publicaffairs@trade.gov
Phone: 202-482-3809
WASHINGTON - Today through February 20, the International Trade Administration (ITA) will lead 18 U.S. higher education institutions to the cities of Bengaluru, Manipal, Mangaluru, Kochi, and Coimbatore in southern India for the first Global Diversity Export Initiative trade mission of 2024. Among the trade mission delegation, four represent minority serving institutions.
According to the Institute of International Education Open Doors Report, Indian students comprise 25 percent of all international students studying in the United States – reaching an all-time high of 268,923 in 2022-2023, an increase of 35 percent from 2021-2022. India also accounts for the highest overall number of international graduate students studying in the United States.
International education is one of the United States’ top exports, ranking as the 9th largest service export at $37.68 billion, supporting over 335,000 U.S. jobs in 2022. Educational service exports are generated when international students pay for tuition, housing, books, and other fees, to study in the United States. The education sector comprises both public and private institutions that provide instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects—from college degrees to professional training and certification programs.
In addition to being the first GDEI trade mission of 2024, this will be the first time that ITA has visited the cities of Manipal, Mangaluru, Kochi, and Coimbatore during a trade mission.
“International students are essential to the quality and diversity of U.S. higher education institutions,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago. “ITA is leading this trade mission at a critical time to further promote the United States as a premier destination for international students, and to strengthen our cultural and educational ties with India.”
Representing 13 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, the 18 participating institutions are:
- Arizona State University; Tempe, Arizona
- Bryant University; Smithfield, Rhode Island
- The Catholic University of America; Washington, District of Columbia
- City University of Seattle; Seattle, Washington
- Clarkson University; Potsdam, New York
- The George Washington University; Washington, District of Columbia
- Kennesaw State University; Kennesaw, Georgia
- Marymount University; Arlington, Virginia
- Park University; Parkville, Missouri
- Pennsylvania College of Technology; Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- Saint Louis University; Saint Louis, Missouri
- St. Mary’s University of San Antonio, Texas; San Antonio, Texas
- The University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio, Texas
- University of Arkansas; Fayetteville, Arkansas
- University of San Diego; San Diego, California
- University of Wisconsin – Stout; Menomonie, Wisconsin
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York
- University of Utah, Eccles School of Business
This year, ITA intends to lead several trade missions as part of the Global Diversity Export Initiative. See the 2024 calendar of events for more information.
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About the International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. Operating in more than 100 U.S. locations and 80 markets worldwide, ITA promotes trade and investment, assists U.S. businesses and workers to export and expand globally, and ensures fair trade and compliance by enforcing U.S. trade laws and agreements. For more information on ITA, visit www.trade.gov.
