1. The Open Doors report shows that two of the top three sending countries of international students were all located in Asia, with two in East Asia (China and South Korea). Combined, China and South Korea accounted for almost 40% of all international students in the U.S. In addition, elsewhere in East Asia (Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan) also sent many international students to the U.S.
1a. Why do you think so many international students in the U.S. are from East Asia?
1b. Do you see similar patterns in other parts of the world (i.e., clusters of areas are among the top sending countries)? If so, where? And why?
2. The Open Doors report also shows that the major source of funding for over half of the international students was personal or family funds. Do you think this means study abroad students are all rich? Why or why not?
3. The Open Doors report also provides data regarding U.S. students studying abroad. You may find more information at their website: https://opendoorsdata.org/annual-release/. Identify some popular destinations for US students abroad. Is there any popular destination that is surprising to you? In what ways?
4. 2020-2021 saw large decreases of international students coming to the U.S., as well as U.S. study abroad. Do you think these declines are temporary, or do you think that there will just be fewer students coming to the U.S. in the future? Why?