Study abroad programs and cross cultural exchanges benefit our world on multiple levels. The exchange of ideas, language and culture promotes a deep rooted understanding among people living in a globalized society and presents an image of Americans distinct from our foreign policy and military stances. International exchanges also could potentially yield long-term benefits as future leaders acquire different perspectives on foreign affairs through study abroad programs. Representatives from the U.S. Departments of State and Education discussed various aspects of study abroad programs during a plenary presentation at AACRAO’s Annual Meeting in Baltimore, such as the administration’s approach to education diplomacy, mechanisms to increase student mobility, and the increased interest in cross-border education exhibited by many governments around the world. The panel of experts included Dale Gough (Moderator), Director of AACRAO’s International Education Services; Heidi Arola, EducationUSA Branch Chief, U.S. Department of State; and Rafael Nevarez, International Education Specialist in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education.
The U.S. Departments of State and Education have developed strategies and programs to promote academic mobility and education diplomacy. Their objective is to promote the interchange of students studying abroad as well as students coming to the United States. There is a belief that ongoing partnerships between governmental agencies and the higher education sector are the key to cross-cultural education and institutional collaboration.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) mission is to increase understanding between the United States and other countries through cultural exchanges. Currently, there are 100 programs in place with up to 40,000 exchange participants recently assessed. The State Department values international education because it:
1. Exposes students to diverse world views. Living outside one’s country helps students learn about other people and cultures. In many cases, students build ties that last a lifetime.
2. Equips a new generation from diverse backgrounds to deal with global challenges. International education prepares future leaders to look towards working collaboratively.
3. Builds a more stable and prosperous global economy. International students contribute global perspectives and diversity to campuses, and make important financial contributions to the U.S. economy.
As the importance of international educations increases, the U.S. Department of Education expects to engage more with associations like AACRAO to gather input on these topics. According to Rafael Nevárez, “The U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies value a continued partnership with the higher education sector. It's essential for promoting education diplomacy and promoting collaboration among institutions."
There are several resources available for those interested in the topic of academic mobility.
--An executive summary of Rafael Navarez and Heidi Arola’s presentation from AACRAO’s Annual Meeting is available in a PDF format here. Summaries are also available for The Higher Education Policy Landscape; Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say: Skills to Increase Diversity Competence; and Trends in Graduate Education.
--Learn more and register for AACRAO’s next Professional Development Event, the 2015 AACRAO Technology and Transfer Conference, July 12-14 in Austin, Texas.
--And for more discussion about transfer issues, participate in AACRAO’s free webinar on Tuesday, June 23rd covering the recent Transfer Handbook: Promoting Student Success. Join us as we host a live discussion with a few of the book authors.