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U.S. Department of State
Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice
November 13, 2007
Statement on International Education Week
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.
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