Among the foreign students, seventy-five percent said they have more than two American friends. But ten percent said they have no American friends.

Not surprisingly, Professor Gareis says students who make friends from their host country return home happier with their experience.

ELISABETH GAREIS: "International students who make friends with host nationals are, overall, more satisfied with their stay in the host country. They have better language skills, they have better academic performance and they have better attitudes toward the host country. So when they return home, and often fill leadership positions, they can foster productive relations with the former host country."

And that's the VOA Special English Education Report, written by Jerilyn Watson. I'm Jim Tedder.