A seminar exploring the economic impacts of international students on the U.S. economy is being sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Tacoma (WACT) at 4 p.m. (PST) on March 4.

The online program, the first in the WACT’s Global Impact virtual series of events, features Mary Karam McKey from the Institute of International Education (IIE). Leading a portfolio of more than 40 private sector-funded global education and training programs, McKey has 20 years of experience in the field of international education and exchange with a focus on strategic program design and implementation in collaboration with leading foundations. 

According to the IIE, international students studying in the U.S. contribute about $45 billion to the nation’s economy annually, creating an estimated 450,000 jobs, and comprise about 6% of the total U.S. student population. 

As an example, the University of Washington currently has about 8,300 students enrolled on student “F visas”, with an estimated 1,300 more in temporary employment programs related to their fields of study. The students come from 123 countries and contribute $185 million in revenue to the UW, according to a statement issued last July by UW President Ana Mari Cauce. More than three-fourths of the school’s international students come from China, India, Taiwan and Korea. 

The March 4 program by the WACT is entitled: International Students: Diversity and Dollars that Fuel the US Economy”. Participants will have a chance to learn more about the economic impact of international students on state and local economies via the Zoom videoconference platform and engage in discussion. 

Register here for the Zoom information.