Press Releases 2007
Statement On International Education Week 2007 - Secretary Of State, Condoleezza Rice
11/15/2007
This year marks the eighth annual International Education Week (IEW).
In this celebration of international education and exchange, the U.S.
Department of State joins with the U.S. Department of Education to
highlight the critical role of education in our efforts to secure a
bright future based on international partnership and understanding.
In
a world where challenges transcend borders, education is essential for
making the world more peaceful and more prosperous. American students
can better understand global issues by learning other languages and
experiencing other cultures first-hand. Moreover, our country has no
more valuable asset internationally than the friendship of the millions
of young people, citizens, and leaders around the world who understand
the United States because they have studied here.
To demonstrate
America’s continuing welcome to international students, senior State
and Education Department officials are leading delegations of college
and university presidents to meet with students, educators, and
government representatives in other countries. The State Department is
also committed to supporting participation by a broad and diverse group
of Americans in study abroad. This year we awarded the largest number
of Fulbright scholarships in the history of the program to outstanding
American students, including recent college graduates who serve as
Fulbright English Teaching Assistants in schools overseas. Gilman
scholarships open the world to U.S. undergraduates from diverse
sectors, English programs reach underserved young people abroad, and
the National Security Language Initiative supports critical language
study by Americans.
Americans across our country and people
around the world are touched by international education in positive
ways, and we should all be proud to celebrate International Education
Week. Wherever you are, I encourage you to join me in recognizing
international education as an important investment in our common future.
More information can be found on our website at http://iew.state.gov/.