Education ‘exports’

The word “exports” usually conjures images of container ships, rail cars and loading docks. But not all exports are tangible. And not all exports are sent directly abroad.

Take higher education, for instance. International students who attend college here are also spending their money here, paying for an American education with their yen or won or euros.

In Montana, higher education amounted to a $20 million export in the last academic year, according to NAFSA: The Association of International Educators. That’s a miniscule slice of the $14.5 billion the group estimates international education generated as an export nationally, but still a significant boost to the state’s economy, particularly in Missoula and Bozeman, home to the state’s flagship universities.

By JOHN HARRINGTON – Independent Record

Full Story: http://www.helenair.com/articles/2007/11/25/business_top/e011125_01.txt