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Education Service Exports
Learn about education service exports and how we can assist your institution in connecting to high school counselors, agents, potential partner universities, recruit international students, and meet with companies or government entities.

Education Service Exports

U.S. Education Service Exports

According to the latest data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), education-related travel exports ranked 9th among service exports in 2022. During the 2021/2022 academic year the U.S. hosted nearly one million international students and reported $37.68* billion in education-related travel exports, which supported over 335,423 U.S. jobs. U.S. colleges and universities play an important role in helping foreign governments partner with private industry to fulfill vital education and training needs.  Globally, it is expected that education will be a $7 trillion industry by 2025. 

Education is an important element of our trade relationships with countries worldwide. Promoting study in the United States strengthens our economic development through innovation, workforce development, and attracting foreign direct investment. There are enormous challenges and opportunities for U.S. international education around the world.  In 2019, the Commercial Service launched USA: A Study Destination to assist the U.S. international education industry to compete. In 2022, U.S. international education was included in the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration National Export Strategy.  Increasing trade and investment opportunities for U.S. educational institutions and entities is, therefore, a priority at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.  
 

What the U.S. Commercial Service Can Do for You

The U.S. Commercial Service (CS) is the export promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.  Our global network of 2,100 trade and investment professionals, is located in more than 100 U.S. cities and in U.S. embassies, consulates, and business centers in more than 70 markets around the world.  These professionals are dedicated to helping U.S. education service providers get started in exporting and developing partnerships in new global markets.  Whether you are looking to recruit your first international student or expand your recruitment efforts to additional countries, we offer the expertise you need to assist with your international outreach to students, potential partners, and agents.

How We Can Help Your Institutions

The CS Global Education Team works to help connect you to high school counselors, agents, and potential partner universities, recruit international students, and meet with companies or government entities that require specialized training. Our team can also assist with your educational state consortia efforts and overseas promotion.  We can provide you with tools and information you need to set priorities and plan for international outreach. 

U.S. Commercial Service Programs and Services Available to Your Institution

  • Gold Key Matchmaking Service. Meet high schools, universities, agents, and other partners.
  • Single School Promotion. Set up an event featuring your educational institution and meet key players in the international education field. 
  • International Partner Search. Find qualified partner schools, agents, and other educational organizations. 
  • Trade Fairs and Catalog Shows. Identify the right international education fairs for your institution. 
  • International Market Research. Receive market research reports on target markets around the world. 
  • Trade Missions. Attend a trade mission for high-level visibility among key market contacts. 
  • Virtual Education Fairs and Virtual Connection Programs. Connect with agents using online platforms and virtual reality technology—without leaving your office. 
  • Website Globalization Reviews. Improve your online international reach and receive Search Engine Optimization (SEO) recommendations.

Where the U.S. Commercial Service Will Attend

  • NAFSA Annual and Region Conferences 
  • EducationUSA Forum
  • EnglishUSA Stakeholders and Professional Development Conferences 
  • Alliance for International Exchange Annual Conference
  • American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) Annual Conference and Spring Symposium
  • ICEF Workshops and Virtual Series
  • Washington International Education Conference (WIEC)
  • Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) Annual Conference

Contact Us

For questions regarding the above programs, please contact:
 
Gabriela Zelaya
Global Education Team Leader
gabriela.zelaya@trade.gov