Around 8,776 Indonesians studied at higher education institutions in the United States during the 2016/17 academic year, the highest number in 13 years, according to the latest report released by the US State Department.

Written in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, the 2017 Open Doors Report stated that the number ranked Indonesia as the 19th leading place of origin of international students in the US. Meanwhile, for US community colleges, Indonesia was ranked as the 12th leading place of origin. 

The report further revealed that from 2016 to 2017, 61.6 percent of Indonesian students in the country studied at the undergraduate level, while those who pursued graduate studies, optional practical training and non-degree programs reached 20 percent, 13.5 percent and 4.9 percent respectively. 

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Meanwhile, the number of Americans studying in Indonesia is said to have increased by 11.8 percent to 597. 

The exchange of ideas and increasing understanding of different cultures are said to be among the benefits of having international students for US communities, universities and colleges. Additionally, they also contributed more than US$39.4 billion to the US economy, stated the report in a press release. 

The report marks the opening of the department's International Education Week celebration that kicked off on Nov. 13 and will run until Nov. 17. Among the activities held during the week were educational events @america outreach for high school and university students, appearances by consular officers and EducationUSA advisors on local television shows, and a Carnival Night at @america on Nov. 18 as the closing event. (kes)