The number of international students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities has dropped to 572,509, which is a 2.4-percent decrease from the 2003-04 total.

But there is good news for NIU: numbers have increased slightly.

The cause in the national decrease may be attributed to the perception international students have of the United States because of its regulations for students wanting to study abroad.

“They have made it easier to attend in other countries because they are not as restrictive in the visa issuance,” said Thecla Cooler, director of the international student and faculty office. “They have more liberal opportunities for students to work and go to school.”

International student enrollment has decreased by 5.6 percent in Illinois, which ranks sixth for the amount of international students enrolled. The current number of foreign students enrolled in is 25,609.

Despite decreases in both the nation and Illinois, international student enrollment at NIU has increased by 1.5 percent. Currently, NIU has 893 international students attending the university. Last year, there were 880 international students enrolled at NIU.

The university’s numbers actually increased, which is astounding, said Deb Pierce, executive director of the division of international programs.

NIU has students from 90 different countries ranging from India to Africa. The countries with the largest number of international students at NIU are India and China.

“NIU offers some astounding programs and that is what students are looking for,” Pierce said. “We are also less expensive than other schools that offer the same programs.”

The recent increase in enrollment may also be attributed to the university’s location.

“Our wonderful location is a factor because it combines a small-time quiet atmosphere in proximity to Chicago,” Pierce said.

There are a large number of recent immigrants looking to place relatives in neighboring universities, she said.

NIU President John Peters said he is pleased with the university’s international programs.

“I am very pleased with our program here, and I think there is a lot of energy and experience at our office,” Peters said.

Cooler said she is optimistic that the number of international students will continue to increase.

International Student Enrollment at Illinois Institutions

(2003-2004)

Institution, Total

– University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, 4,769

– University of Chicago, 2,470

– University of Illinois at Chicago, 2,439

– Northwestern University, 2,102

– Illinois Institute of Technology, 2,058

– NIU, 880

Source: The Institute of Intenational Education

Leading country of orgin for foreign student in Ilinois

Country of origin, precent total, number enrolled

– India 20.2, 5169

– China 14.1, 3604

– Republic of Korea 11.7, 3005

– Japan 4.3, 1104

– Taiwan 4.0, 1034

Total number of foreign students in

Illinois – 6,106

Source: The Institute of International

Education