By Julia Funaki, Director, International, AACRAO
Since its founding in 1919, the Institute of International Education has conducted an annual census of international students in the United States.
The Open Doors Report is the comprehensive resource on international educational exchange, and is compiled using data from four key surveys:
International Student Census: This survey collects data on international students studying at U.S. higher education institutions.
U.S. Study Abroad Survey: This survey focuses on U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit at their home colleges or universities.
Intensive English Programs Survey: This survey gathers data on intensive English programs in the United States.
International Scholars Survey: This survey collects data on international scholars teaching or conducting research at U.S. higher education institutions.
Today, the Open Doors International Student Census remains the foundation of this effort, offering a comprehensive and trusted view of international student enrollment across U.S. higher education. Administered by IIE with support from the U.S. Department of State, the Census collects enrollment and demographic data that power the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.
AACRAO, as a long-standing partner in this work, encourages participation and awareness so that your institutions understand the significance of this data. In the 2024 release of the Open Doors Report, we highlighted the report’s role in telling a nuanced and detailed story about learning mobility, which continues to evolve as global events, policy changes, and student preferences shift.
This spring, your institutions have two opportunities to contribute:
We encourage our membership community to participate in these surveys to better understand international educational exchange in the United States. Your institution’s participation ensures that Open Doors remains the complete and comprehensive data source it has been for over a century. Together, the census and survey form a powerful resource for the entire field of international education.
If your institution did not receive information about the surveys, wants to verify submission, needs to update contact details, or has questions, contact the Open Doors team at opendoors@iie.org.
To learn more or complete the surveys, visit: Open Doors International Student Census.
AACRAO and IIE appreciate your ongoing support of Open Doors and your consideration and continued commitment to advancing international education.