International students at UW-Eau Claire contribute more than $6.3 million annually to the local economy, according to a report recently released by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

 
The report details the academic, cultural and economic contribution international students make to the city.

 
According to the report, 274 international students attended Eau Claire for the 2012-2013 school year. Those students individually paid $3,802 in tuition and $3,444 in living expenses.

 
The report also said nearly 313,000 jobs across the nation are supported or generated as a result of international students spending money on tuition or living expenses while attending U.S. universities.

 
This means for every seven international students enrolled at UW-Eau Claire, three local jobs are created, according to the report. These jobs range from higher education, dining and retail to transportation and health insurance.

 
Jodi Simek, an international student adviser said it is an important part of a students’ education to have interactions with people from different cultures. She also said it’s important to realize that these students can bring more than just cultural expression to the community.

 
“I think its also important to recognize the economic contribution so community members see that not only are the international students providing a wonderful opportunity to learn about the culture, but they are also a financial contributor to our community,” she said.

 
City of Eau Claire Economic Development Administrator Mike Schatz said the city doesn’t track how much money international students bring to the community, but the city does appreciate the contribution.

 
“Its a good thing to have diversity of different people in your community and certainly bring outside dollars to the enrollment to university,” Schatz said.

­— The Spectator staff