International exchange programs have become ubiquitous in colleges around the world. The experience of living in a different country is both exciting and educational for students, as not only do they reach a higher level of independence, but get the opportunity to learn about different cultures. For some European colleges international exchange is a mandatory part of the curriculum.

While in Europe the practice may be more common, the United States has recently experienced a surge of international students. In a report compiled by the Institute of International Education, there has been an 8% increase of international students in American education institutions. One four year college in New Jersey has experienced a record 7% increase in foreign students.

New Jersey has the 12th highest international student population with 14,785 foreign college students last year. The international ground, which was 7.4 % more than larger than in 2007, spent an estimated $435.7 million on tuition and living expenses. Chinese students make up 18% of foreign students with India providing the second largest exchange student population.

The U.S. Department of Commerce approached Rutgers College in New Jersey to create a website in a big to encourage international applications. Rutgers College has 2,549 enrolled international students in 2008 and expects continued growth. Princeton University enrolled 1,400 foreign students in 2008, according to the report, the most of any private institution.

The reason for the influx of foreign students is credited largely to the loosening of visa restrictions in recent years. Post 9/11 visa limitations were severe and have only begun to ease up recently. Courtney McAnuff vice president of enrollment at Rutgers has said that a greater international presence will advance American interests and improve the trade balance. Further to this, exchange programs help foster good relations between countries and improve student’s perspective on different cultures.