DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS :
All Statements

Albright, Madeleine K.
Former Secretary of State
Department of State




"While these initiatives focus on specific areas of expertise, they also improve the climate for respecting basic human rights. In relatively closed societies, IIE programs provide a rare chance to establish outside contact and explore wonderfully dangerous ideas, such as freedom. In transitional countries they provide a means of educating future leaders about the nuts and bolts of democratic institutions. And in every nation they touch, they help open the door of opportunity to minorities and women."



Alliance

Alliance for International Education and Cultural Exchange




“It is through international education that we will continue to renew our capacity for global leadership by educating successive generations of future world leaders, who come to the United States as international students. The exaggerated and inaccurate rhetoric about foreign students that has become too common since September 11 has obscured the indisputable reality that foreign students are overwhelmingly a net asset for U.S. security. They are a critical component of graduate education in the United States, and they bring important educational, economic, and cultural benefits to colleges, universities, and communities across the country. “

(Joint statement with NAFSA)



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




"…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!"



Ashcroft, John
Former U.S. Attorney General
United States




"...we remain committed to welcoming and accommodating those who come to America to study in our universities…allowing foreign students to study here is one of the ways we convey our love of freedom to foreign students who will one day return to their countries and take on leadership positions…"



Becraft, Michael
Former Acting Deputy Commissioner
Immigration and Naturalization Service




"The growth in international education has significantly benefited the U.S. economy and brought continued recognition of the superiority of the U.S. higher education system. Foreign student programs have been found to serve U.S. foreign policy objectives by exposing nationals of other countries to the institutions and culture of the United States, by helping to cement alliances with other countries, and by transferring knowledge and skills to other countries, particularly developing countries."



Bush, George W.
Former U.S. President
United States




"America's leadership and national security rest on our commitment to educate and prepare our youth for active engagement in the international community."



Clinton, William J.
Former U.S. President
United States




"To continue to compete successfully in the global economy and to maintain our role as a world leader, the United States needs to ensure that its citizens develop a broad understanding of the world, proficiency in other languages, and knowledge of other cultures. America's leadership also depends on building ties with those who will guide the political, cultural, and economic development of their countries in the future. A coherent and coordinated international education strategy will help us meet the twin challenges of preparing our citizens for a global environment while continuing to attract and educate future leaders from abroad."



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




"…educational exchange contributes directly to making the world safer and more secure. An educational experience in America, moreover, pays dividends to the nation's public diplomacy over many years. More than 50 of the world leaders called by Former President Bush and Former Secretary Powell to join the coalition fighting terrorism studied in the United States or came to America early in their careers as part of the International Visitors Program which we also assist the Department in administering."

"When more international students are given the chance for meaningful study and opportunities to gain an appreciation of our society, there will be less hatred of America and misunderstanding of our values and way of life. The personal and professional relationships that international students make while they are studying in this country help forge strong bonds with the United States after their return, as they go on to conduct research or do business with their counterparts here, and particularly when they move on to leadership positions in their home countries."

(oint statement with Henry Kaufman)



Ki-Moon, Ban
Current U.N. Secretary-General
United Nations




“We cannot take refuge in silence. That is why my advice to world leaders is consistent. I tell them to listen. Listen to your people. Hear their concerns. Pay close attention. That is what I do in my travels around the world. In refugee camps. In the ashes of war. In cooperatives and communities. The languages are different, but the message is the same: Help us to help ourselves. People do not want handouts. They are not interested in charity. All they ask is the right to build their own future.”


Moran, James P.
Congressman
Congress




“These programs help to export American ideals. Ideals of democracy, human rights, good governance, freedom of speech and religion, personal responsibility, accountability, and the rule of law. In the aftermath of September 11th, hopefully, we as a nation, have come to the realization that we must be ever more resolute in promoting these ideals abroad.”



NAFSA

Association of International Educators




“It is through international education that we will continue to renew our capacity for global leadership by educating successive generations of future world leaders, who come to the United States as international students. The exaggerated and inaccurate rhetoric about foreign students that has become too common since September 11 has obscured the indisputable reality that foreign students are overwhelmingly a net asset for U.S. security. They are a critical component of graduate education in the United States, and they bring important educational, economic, and cultural benefits to colleges, universities, and communities across the country. “

(Joint statement with Alliance)