United States International Education Policy
NAFSA has called for a U.S. coordinated strategy that promotes the internationalization of learning in the broadest sense, including encouraging students from other countries to study in the United States, promoting study abroad by U.S. students, facilitating the exchange of scholars and of citizens at all levels of society, supporting the learning of foreign languages and knowledge of other cultures by Americans, and enhancing the educational infrastructure through which we produce international competence and research.
To learn more about the need for such policies, view the October 2007 statement, An International Education Policy for U.S. Leadership, Competitiveness, and Security.
State Level Policies
While NAFSA continues to advocate for a national policy on international education, individual NAFSA members across the country are building momentum for this effort by working to get their state to pass a state-level international education resolution.
NAFSA has long been a leading advocate of state-level initiatives to support and expand international education, and has called for a national policy on international education spearheaded by the president.
View state-level initiatives
President Obama on International Education
| In a speech at Cairo University in Egypt |
President Obama underscored the need for more international exchanges and emphasized the role that young people can play in creating a new beginning of peace, saying:
"...you, more than anyone, have the ability to re-imagine the world, to remake this world."
Read more. |
| At a town hall style meeting with students in Turkey |
Speaking about his commitment to renewed engagement between the United States and Turkey, and between America and the international community, the president emphasized three key points: the need for honest, open dialogue "grounded in respect;" a commitment to broadening opportunity to "those who have been left behind in this new global economy;" and the importance of encouraging young people to be internationally engaged."
Read more. |
| In his Inaugural address |
In his inaugural address, President Obama made clear his administration's commitment to renewing America's engagement in the world, saying:
"And so, to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more."
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| During the campaign |
When asked whether Obama would establish an international education policy for the United States if elected, Denis McDonough, foreign policy advisor for the Obama for America campaign, said the "short answer is yes." He said that international education has to be a priority that is woven through all of the nation’s policies, and stated that international education would be a fundamental policy goal that would be integrated into other U.S. policies.
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History of All Activity
Since 1999, NAFSA has been advocating for the establishment of a U.S. international education policy. View a chronological history of important milestones toward the establishment of such a policy.
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