The economic slowdown notwithstanding, India retained its top spot in 2008-09 for sending the highest number of students to US varsities and colleges. India has been in the top position for the eighth consecutive year.
In academic year 2008-09, 103,260 students from India were studying in the US — up 9.2 per cent from the previous year, according to 'Open Doors 2009', which is published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with support from the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The majority (around 69 per cent) of Indian students study at the graduate level, 15 per cent are undergraduates, while 14.4 per cent go for Optional Practical Training or OPT.