“Land of Promise” for Vietnamese Students
In recent years, the number of Vietnamese students studying in the United States has been steadily increasing. According to the statistics from IIE, the four countries hosting the most Vietnamese students currently are the US, Australia, the UK, and Japan. Vietnam ranks sixth among the countries and territories with the highest number of students studying in the US, equivalent to Taiwan and higher than Japan. The fields of Engineering, Business and Management, Mathematics, and Computer Science are the most popular choices among international students. There are over 24,325 Vietnamese undergraduate and graduate students studying in the US, which marks an increase of 1,887 students compared to the 2016-2017 academic year, representing an 8.4% rise.
Among the total of 24,325 Vietnamese students in the US, 69.6% are pursuing undergraduate degrees, 15.2% are in graduate programs, 8.6% are participating in non-compulsory internships, and the remaining 6.6% are enrolled in non-degree programs. According to the US Department of Commerce, Vietnamese students contribute $881 million to the US economy.
According to SEVIS data as of December 2017, the average cost for studying in the US is $36,564 per year. By the end of 2017, there were 31,389 Vietnamese students studying in the US. Among them, over 23,000 were enrolled in undergraduate programs, about 4,100 were attending high school, and approximately 2,700 were studying English.
The total expenditure reached over $1 billion USD. The states attracting Vietnamese students include:
California:
As the most populous state in the US, California hosts over 40% of the Vietnamese population in America. It is the top choice for Vietnamese students due to its large Vietnamese community, quality education system, high career opportunities, and pleasant climate. California boasts the largest university system in the US, including renowned institutions such as the California State University system, the University of California system, Stanford University, Harvey Mudd College, and the University of Southern California.
Texas:
Known for its diverse cultural community, Texas has the second-largest Vietnamese population in the US. It offers affordable tuition and more than 1,000 school districts. Texas has 36 public universities, with 32 belonging to 6 State University systems. The top-rated institutions include the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. Other notable universities include Trinity University, the Texas State University system, and Rice University.
Washington:
As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. is home to all of the country’s federal agencies and serves as a hub for higher education. It boasts 167 public educational institutions and centers. However, the private education system in the capital city yields higher effectiveness. Notable private universities include George Washington University (GW), Georgetown University (GU), American University (AU), Catholic University of America (CUA), Howard University, Gallaudet University, and Johns Hopkins University.
Massachusetts:
As a leading center for commerce and industry in the US, Massachusetts is known for its numerous high-tech districts. Located in the Northeast of the US, the state has a harsh climate with hot summers and cold winters. Despite this, Massachusetts continues to attract a large number of immigrants annually, including those from Vietnam. Massachusetts is home to world-renowned institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston Latin School, and Harvard University.
New York:
As the most populous city in the United States, New York City wields global influence across various sectors including economics, commerce, finance, culture, and fashion. With abundant opportunities for personal development, New York City is also considered a “promised land” for international students. It boasts the largest public university system, the largest number of postgraduate students, and the largest public libraries in the country. Famous universities in New York City include Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, and Yeshiva University.
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