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International Education MattersA
Forum for Issues Pertaining
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November 14,
2003
To the editor of the Washington Post: I applaud the Post for its November 12 editorial, ‘No Help for Democracy’, spotlighting the positive benefits of a wide range of U.S. international exchange programs, and the critical need to continue funding these programs, not only in the countries of the former Soviet Union and Central Europe, but worldwide. Exchanges of students, teachers, business professionals and others strengthen our relationships with other nations of the world by exposing current and future leaders to American education, society and values. Building relationships across cultures is a long process and requires years of commitment and support. As noted by the Post, “three U.S. administrations have worked to nourish free markets and institutions in Eastern Europe and Central Asia….” Our work there is not finished. Obstacles remain, yet interest in exchanges grows. In recent years, professional and graduate level programs with these countries have attracted many more applicants than the programs can sustain. The Future Leaders Exchange Program for high school students received more than 50,000 applications last year for 1400 slots. We must continue our positive engagement with the former communist nations that are still emerging from decades of totalitarian leadership. At the same time, significant resources are needed for the development of programs in the Islamic world. A high school exchange program initiated this year with 135 students from 10 countries in the Islamic world, plus the West Bank and Gaza, attracted substantial applicant pools in every country in spite of the many cultural and political barriers. Reaching out and fostering relationships in the Islamic world will help us in the war against terrorism. Exchange programs put a human face on American foreign policy and transmit America’s democratic values to the world. Funding them across all regions should remain a long-term, critical component of U.S. engagement in the world. Shifting resources between regions based on changing political circumstances is not the answer. Sincerely, Kenton W. Keith This file was updated on November 15, 2003 |
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