USC leads the nation in international student enrollment. (Kelemenop/ Creative Commons)

The University of Southern California topped the list for the largest international student body in the nation for the 2012-2013 academic year, according to a report by the Institute of International Education.

Continuing a 12-year streak, USC enrolled 9,840 international students last year - nearly one-quarter of the total student population. Graduate students accounted for almost 40 percent of the international community, and Chinese students were the most represented. 

The Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange conducted the study, which documented a 7 percent increase in international students entering the U.S. 

Nationally, China, India and South Korea make up 49 percent of all international students. The top 25 countries represented on the list had at least 5,000 students each in U.S. colleges and universities, which students say helps foster involvement in ethnic community organizations on campus and allows Americans an opportunity to engage with other cultures. 

"We decided to take a lot of people from our program to the restaurant Wurstküche for Oktoberfest, where they serve German cuisine such as sausages, sauerkraut and all sorts of German draft beers," said Beatrice Verhoeven, a German graduate student at USC.

Verhoeven said she was thrilled to share a bit of her culture with her American peers, especially given the diversity of the city.

Without international students, many Americans wouldn't have the opportunity to participate in events led by on-campus clubs: USC alone, for instance, has nearly a hundred organizations based on a religion or national identity. Groups such as the Italian Society and HinduYUVA dedicate their time to the exploration of a culture.

At New York University, ethnic organizations like Club Bangla flourish, showcasing traditional dance, food and history in their meetings. Similarly, the University of Illinois has the Armenian Student Association for Armenians and anyone else who'd like to learn more about the culture.

All of the schools listed below share a common characteristic: a strong level of cultural exchange among students of diverse backgrounds fostered through clubs and organizations.

1. University of Southern California, Los Angeles

2. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

3. Purdue University, Lafayette

4. New York University, New York City

5. Columbia University, New York City

6. University of California, Los Angeles 

Reach Staff Reporter Tahsin Hyder here; follow her here.