Compiled by William Nolting (University of Michigan) and Cheryl Matherly (University of Tulsa) with contributions from the NAFSA Education Abroad Subcommittee on Work, Internships, and Volunteering Abroad (WIVA) members

Resources that demonstrate why sending U.S. students abroad for educational experience is in the general interest of the United States and its citizens.

The Brookings Institute Global Economy and Development
According to Lex Rieffel and Sarah Zalud, "International volunteer programs contribute directly and indirectly to our nation's security and well-being. They represent one of the best avenues Americans can pursue to improve relations with the rest of the world."

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NAFSA's Global Competence Initiative
Citing NAFSA's mission statement, NAFSA President-elect Ron Moffatt shows ways that NAFSA members are helping develop a global-ready workforce.

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Reports

An Exploration of the Demand for Study Overseas from American Students and Employers
This study compares the perceptions of the value study abroad by U.S. human resources directors, with those of students who studied abroad. According to the report, "The research revealed a real need to strongly promote the link between those interpersonal attributes that employers find so desirable and their acquisition through an international study experience." Readers will note that employers identified relevant work/internship as one of the most important criteria in recruiting candidates.

New Challenges for International Leadership (RAND Corporation)
Report on the challenges of finding managers in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors with sufficient international experience to lead U.S. business and industry.

NSF Partnership for International Research and Education
Grants awarded to promote international collaboration and prepare "globally engaged" scientists and engineers.

States Prepare for the Global Age (728kb Adobe PDF)
Published by the Asia Society in 2005, this report shows how states and private industry are answering the question, "How can we give today's students the knowledge, skills and perspectives they will need to live and work in an increasingly interconnected world?"