Chinese students become largest int'l group in USC

Chinese students turn out to be the largest group of the enrolled international population in the University of Southern California (USC), according to an annual report released on Monday.

There are now a record high of 2,515 Chinese students studying at USC, which has 9,269 international students during the 2011- 2012 academic year. USC leads the United States by the number of international students for the 11th year, said the Institute of International Education, a non-profit educational organization based in New York, in its annual report, entitled Open Doors.

They are followed by students from India who make up 1,265 at USC, according to the report.

The USC officials attributed the increased numbers of Chinese and Indian students to its reputation along the Pacific Rim and its commitment to recruiting, which is boosted by expanding alumni base in several Chinese and Indian cities.

"USC is so proud of its exceptional international students, as well as its ability to continually draw such talented students from all over the world," said President C. L. Max Nikias said in a prepared statement. "These students arrive on our campuses with a broad range of experiences and perspectives, as well as tremendous intellect and creativity."

International students come from 115 countries, according to USC. About 71 percent of its international student population in fall 2011 was enrolled in graduate-level programs, with the greatest number attending the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.

"They benefit enormously from their time at USC, while our domestic students learn about cultures outside their own. The bonds our students form -- and the professional connections they establish -- remain with them for life," Nikias added.

USC ranked the sixth for the total number of students -- 2,340 - - who participated in overseas study programs during the 2010-2011 school year, according to the report.