Dialogue, Not Monologue: International Educational Exchange and Public Diplomacy

An Event Sponsored by

NAFSA: Association of International Educators
The Heritage Foundation
Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange
Migration Policy Institute

Wednesday, November 16, 2005 — 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Featuring Distinguished Panelists

Ambassador Cresencio Arcos                    
Director of International Affairs                  
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Dr. Joseph S. Nye, Jr.
Distinguished Service Professor
Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University 
    
The Honorable Jim Kolbe           
United States Congressman (R-AZ)

Sanford J. Ungar
President, Goucher College    
        

Hosted by

James Jay Carafano
Senior Research Fellow, Defense and Homeland Security
The Heritage Foundation

Moderated by

Marlene M. Johnson
Executive Director and CEO
NAFSA:  Association of International Educators

Background

Today the contributions of international education and exchange to the national interest are virtually unquestioned.  High-level government officials frequently cite exchanges as one of the most effective ways of winning friends in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable world. Yet the United States lacks an effective policy for utilizing this indispensable tool.  In this policy vacuum, increasing numbers of foreign students and researchers are pursuing their educations and careers elsewhere, only a minuscule percentage of American college students ever study abroad or graduate with familiarity with a foreign language or region, and numerous barriers impede the exchange experience.  Robust international educational and cultural exchanges must be a central part of a successful public diplomacy strategy.  Four experts will examine this critical issue for U.S. leadership, competitiveness, and security.

Location

The Heritage Foundation
214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE  Washington, D.C. 20002