Hundreds of thousands of undergraduate and graduate students choose to study in the United States each year at many colleges and universities. These estimated 765,000 F and M students contribute $22.7 billion to the U.S. economy, making higher education very important to the United States.

Public diplomacy positively affects jobs, education, travel, entrepreneurism, tourism and trade both in the United States and in other countries. It is also important in opening doors to other countries and cultures.

The Department of State’s Global Entrepreneurship Program is one example of how the United States is helping to identify and train promising entrepreneurs to connect them with mentors or potential investors.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Entrepreneurs in Residence initiative allows an F-1 student to start a businesses and have a stake in its financial success. If you are an F-1 student, you may be able to start your own business while participating in optional practical training. However, you must follow the rules to maintain your student status if you are employed while you are a student. For more information, visit our International Students and Entrepreneurship resource page. Remember to talk to your designated school official if you have questions about entrepreneurship or work opportunities in the United States.

For more information on public diplomacy, visit the Department of State’s website.

Sources:

• Bottom Line Diplomacy: Why Public Diplomacy Matters; Department of State
• Global Entrepreneurship Program; Department of State