Higher education exchanges between Oman and the United States continue to develop rapidly. According to the 2016 ‘Open Doors Report’ published by the Institute of International Education, the number of Omani nationals studying at American institutions of higher education has tripled in the past three years, to nearly 3,000 — a truly ground-breaking number. The same report found that among all Middle Eastern countries in 2014-2016, Oman witnessed the largest percent growth of its nationals studying in the US. More broadly, these statistics reflect the tremendous growth of international students in the US, where their population has doubled over the last decade.
In 2017, American institutions of higher education welcomed more than one million students from every corner of the globe, hosting more international students than any other country. The unparalleled quality of degree programmes offered by US colleges and universities has attracted a steady tide of international students seeking a strong education to jumpstart their careers and realise their potential. In turn, the diverse perspectives and unique talents that international students and faculty alike contribute to American classrooms make the US higher education system one of the greatest in the world.
In this globalised era, leaders in all fields must know how to speak and, more importantly, listen to people from backgrounds vastly different than their own. Study abroad programmes present an ideal opportunity to curate the vital skills of cross-cultural communication, fluent bilingualism, global career networking and compassion for world welfare at a crucial juncture in students’ personal growth. US universities are unmatched in their capacity to impart this knowledge while equipping students with the necessary experience and expertise to succeed in their chosen field(s). Moreover, the immense value proffered by international educational exchange in terms of personal, professional and academic development is one that American students similarly recognise.
The number of American students studying in Oman rose by 30 per cent from 2014 to 2016, according to statistics from Open Doors. Across the world today, there are now more than 300,000 American students studying overseas. I remain hopeful and confident that educational exchange between the US and Oman will continue to thrive, and that the number of Omani students choosing to study abroad in the US, as well as the number of American students choosing to study abroad in Oman, will continue to grow.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
