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Introduction
The events of September 11th, 2001, highlighted how the safety of U.S. citizens is closely interconnected with the citizens of other countries around the world. To more effectively collaborate with those around us, there is an increased the need for a U.S. citizenry capable of understanding and working with people from all over the world. In this time of added caution and uncertainty-now more than ever-study abroad remains a beneficial and safe way to enhance a student's academic program and promote self-growth. According to Former U.S. Secretary of Education, Rod Paige:
"Complex global interactions, once reserved for the diplomatic corps, are today the stuff of everyday business deals and cultural exchanges. If we expect students to navigate international waters, we need to give them an international education that meets the highest standards…"
Study abroad is one way that U.S. college and university students are best introduced to the cultures and citizens of the rest of the world. By spending a year, semester, or shorter time abroad, U.S. students learn about the language, culture, and philosophy of others. The reverse is also true: International students who come to study abroad in the U.S. have the opportunity to learn about and experience American life first-hand. It is how they are best introduced to U.S. culture and citizens. According to Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Anaan:
"Clearly, we need to use education to advance tolerance and understanding. Perhaps more than ever, international understanding is essential to world peace -- understanding between faiths, between nations, between cultures. Today, we know that just as no nation is immune to conflict or suffering, no nation can defend itself alone. We need each other -- as friends, as allies, as partners -- in a struggle for common values and common needs."
Study abroad affords students, American and international, the opportunity to be ambassadors; they can set an example, help break down stereotypes and prejudice, and learn while living with others. Students can learn best about the rest of the world by crossing international boundaries. International education is the best way to promote a positive future of global understanding and cooperation. By simply crossing borders, American and international students collaborate to form a partnership for global problem solving and culture-sharing.
When thinking about safety around the world, it is important to have a balanced perspective. Safety is a global, national, regional, and local phenomenon. As Americans-and the world-have come to realize, the U.S. is no more immune to acts of crime or violence than any other part of the world. Now more than ever, it's time to promote and encourage global education through study abroad. Now more than ever, it's time to quell our fears by gaining a more balanced perspective.
Background
The Center for Global Education, with funding from the U.S. Department of Education and others, hopes you will help us to bring greater understanding about the value of study abroad for students at U.S. colleges and universities as well as the general public.
After the events of September 11, 2001-now more than ever-it's time to promote and encourage global education through study abroad. We believe that statements about personal experiences and views can help make those around the U.S. better understand the value of study abroad.
This site reflects a comprehensive collection of statements about the importance of study abroad, designed and compiled by the Center for Global Education. We are collecting personal statements from internationally recognized dignitaries, heads of nations, statesmen and women, businessmen and women, professionals, college and university leaders, parents and students.
We believe these statements will help make a difference in encouraging students to study abroad, and in making others understand why international education is so important.
In addition to submitting a photo and personal statement, we are offering participants the opportunity to submit or take part in videotaped interviews that can also be accessed through this site. Along with this website, which is open to the public, we also plan to put together a printed publication and a CD-rom for the public.
How to Use This Site
There are five main ways to navigate this site. You may choose to search:
If you have comments or questions about this project, the site, or The Center for Global Education , please contact:
Gary Rhodes, Ph.D., Director
The Center for Global Education
California State University, Dominguez Hills
College of Extended and International Education
1000 East Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
Telephone: (310) 243-3975
E-mail: grhodes@globaled.edu
URL: http://www.globaled.us
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