With 30,000-plus international students and growing in Pennsylvania, accounting for more than $965 million in annual economic impact, the new
Pennsylvania-American Center for Education in Mumbai, India is working to encourage Indian students to pursue their higher education in the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania ranks sixth in the nation for foreign student enrollment in higher education institutions. Indian students are expected to be the top international student population in the U.S. by 2020. Currently, they account for 17.2% of Pennsylvania’s international students, second only to Chinese students (who make up 24.7%).
Opened last month, the Center, believed to be the first of its kind, is fully funded by a
Mumbai private school, but is fully open to the public. Its purpose is to help Indian families who are exploring educational opportunities for their children outside of the country. One of the main challenges they face is the lack of information available on the universities and colleges, and an understanding of the application and admissions process in other countries
The Center will send counselors for training in Pennsylvania and to meet with universities and colleges in the state.
"Pennsylvania was one of the first states in the U.S. to open an official office in India to promote trade and investment opportunities," says Kanika Choudhary, Philadelphia's honorary ambassador to India. "Now we are proud to have a dedicated facility that will provide Indian families with information about studying at Pennsylvania's world-class educational institutions."
Source: Theresa Elliott, PA Department of Community & Economic Development
Writer: Elise Vider