AASCU

American Association of State Colleges and Universities

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“To be an educated person in the new millennium one must have the new skills that come from exposure to other cultures and the understanding produced from the study of different societies and nations. To be employed in those parts of the economy that cross national borders and the barriers of different languages one must be educated in a global environment that provides comfort and understanding of the cultures. Even to function at home, as most of our graduates will, in an increasingly diverse United States environment, a new sensitivity and understanding is required.”

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Alliance

Alliance for International Education and Cultural Exchange

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“It is through international education that we will send more American students to study abroad and prepare them to function effectively in a global environment. In this day and age – and especially since September 11 – no American should graduate from college without a basic knowledge of at least one world area and foreign language. The best way to accomplish this is by making study abroad a routine component of U.S. undergraduate education. Polling data suggest that students and parents recognize the importance of language learning and study abroad--but resource constraints, lack of programs, rigidities in higher education curricula, and student perceptions of the job market have combined to limit participation. The United States can no longer afford to be passive about promoting study abroad. “

(Joint statement with NAFSA)

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Annan, Kofi
U.N. Secretary-General
United Nations

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"…my first experience of studying or indeed living abroad happened thanks to a fellowship from the Ford Foundation, which took me to Macalester College as a young man. Given all that's happened to me since, I guess a start with the Ford Foundation can lead to anything!"

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Ayala, Jesus
BA in Political Science and American Studies, minor in Ethnic Studies
University of California, Berkley

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“As a bilingual journalist living in Los Angeles I use Spanish on a daily basis. My Spanish skills often give me an edge and allow me to tell news stories that other journalists would have a difficult time pursuing. In the future I plan to continue to travel abroad in the capacity of an investigative producer and produce news stories about national and international politics. I am not afraid nor am I worried about where I may end up tomorrow. I like to challenge myself, both in school and in my daily life and I know that my study abroad experience has already prepared me for my future endeavors.”

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Ayala, Ofelia
Parent of study abroad student

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“Presently, Latinos are the fastest growing community in California. Within a few years it will be vital that anyone who lives in this state be bi-lingual. In learning Spanish, Jesús has doubled his appeal to potential employers. His ability to translate quickly and efficiently will allow him to pursue his career goals as a TV producer. Latinos are very wary about who they share their experiences with. Most Latinos will not open-up to a journalist who does not speak Spanish. Fortunately, Jesús will not have that problem.”

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FitzSimons, Katherine C.
Graduate Student, B.A. Spanish, Journalism
University of Southern California

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"As a Foreign Service officer, I will be sent on missions-as a representative of the United States-to work in embassies and consulates worldwide. I will have the valuable and rare opportunity to continue my international/intercultural education throughout my entire career. Study abroad inspired me to want to become a Foreign Service officer because I find nothing more exciting, educational, or interesting as living in a foreign country and being surrounded by international peers. My study abroad experiences ignited a passion to work abroad. I now have an international focus, purpose, and career objective I might not otherwise have had. I feel as though study abroad has opened the doors to a very exciting future-a career in the Foreign Service."

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Goodman, Allan E.
President and CEO
Institute of International Education

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“In the coming century, more students will want international educational opportunities as part of their preparation for careers in business as well as the public sector. Top corporate and government leaders are telling us that their "high performers" are going to need to come to them already equipped to think and work on a global basis. This will change the hiring paradigm, as well as the content of many professional education programs. Many of the nation's top MBA programs now stress their international character, courses, and student bodies, for example.”

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NAFSA

Association of International Educators

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“It is through international education that we will send more American students to study abroad and prepare them to function effectively in a global environment. In this day and age – and especially since September 11 – no American should graduate from college without a basic knowledge of at least one world area and foreign language. The best way to accomplish this is by making study abroad a routine component of U.S. undergraduate education. Polling data suggest that students and parents recognize the importance of language learning and study abroad--but resource constraints, lack of programs, rigidities in higher education curricula, and student perceptions of the job market have combined to limit participation. The United States can no longer afford to be passive about promoting study abroad. “

(Joint statement with Alliance)

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