Welcome to this Issue of eJournal USA. Thank you for your interest in exploring higher education in the United States - it's a great place to study and learn! My own son started college last fall, so I know what an exciting time this is for students and their families. Whatever your academic interest, whether you want a large, small or medium-size school, you'll find virtually unlimited options in the United States. We hope this journal will help you begin to explore.

Academic opportunity is only one reason to consider studying in the United States. Students here enjoy the freedoms of intellectual inquiry, political debate and open religious and artistic expression. Attending school here also fosters friendship and understanding among students of different countries and cultures.

Nearly all of the colleges and universities in the United States benefit from the contributions of international students. More than 565,000 students from 190 countries studied on U.S. campuses during the 2004-5 academic year. Many American universities also encourage their students to broaden their horizons and experience the richness of other cultures through travel and study abroad programs.

We hope this issue of eJournal will help you make a decision to become one of the next generation of international students to study in the United States - we look forward to welcoming you!

Sincerely,

Karen Hughes
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs