Why study abroad?
The benefits of studying abroad are endless. But don't take our word for it.
Create Global Awareness
“The benefits to the United States are clear as well. These ventures improve our understanding of other cultures and make friends for us worldwide. In consequence I'm absolutely committed to preserving the integrity of these programs. They are by law, and by right, nonpolitical. They are not pork, they are pure gold, and we must manage them as the precious assets to American interests and values that they are.”
- Madeline K. Albright, Former Secretary of State, Department of State
Promote International Security
"When more Americans have the chance to study in other countries, they will have an opportunity to share American values and aspirations while gaining an appreciation of different cultures and learning about the many different ways people see us and the world. Understanding of and knowledge about the culture and society of others is critical to the success of American diplomacy and business, and the lasting ties that Americans make during their sojourns abroad are important to our country in times of conflict as well as in times of peace."
- Allen E. Goodman, President and CEO of Institute of International Education
Enhance Academic Learning
"Knowledge about the culture and language of our neighbors throughout the world is becoming increasingly important in the daily lives of all Americans. The events surrounding the terrorist attacks of September 11 underscore that point. For our students, international education means learning about the history, geography, literature and arts of other countries, acquiring proficiency in a second language, and understanding complex global issues. It means having opportunities to experience other cultures, whether through study abroad, exposure to diversity in their own communities, or through classroom-to-classroom Internet connections with students in schools in other nations."
- Rod Paige, Former U.S. Secretary of Education, Department of Education
Develop Leadership Skills
"America's leadership and national security rest on our commitment to educate and prepare our youth for active engagement in the international community."
- George W. Bush, Former U.S. President
Advance Your Career
"International education ignites a passion for understanding other people and their perspectives. That's one important benefit to working or studying abroad—and it's essential to success in our increasingly diverse world. Students with international exposure come to understand the value of dialogue between people from different cultures and between people with different points of view. They also gain an understanding of the importance of relationships. Relationships are the foundation for meaning and success in life. They are also the foundation for strong businesses, especially businesses that care about creating mutual benefit."
- Douglass H. Daft, Former Chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Company
Experience Personal Growth
"To remain the leader in this ever-changing world, we have to push ourselves not just to think globally, but to get out there and study globally as well. I am asking all American students to think about expanding your own worldview by studying in another country. I hope the administrators of our American colleges and universities will support this study abroad experience."
- Hillary Rodham Clinton
Learn Another Language
"The United States is a country made up of many cultures—and we often celebrate that diversity. But just as often, we rely on the predominance of English as the language of global business and higher education when looking toward the world."
"This reliance can put us at a disadvantage. We haven't been compelled to meet our global neighbors on their own terms, and learn about their histories, values and viewpoints. I am worried that in this interconnected world, our country risks being disconnected from the contributions of other countries and cultures. Through education and exchange, we can become better collaborators and competitors in the global economy."
- Arne Duncan, Former U.S. Secretary of Education, Department of Education
*Excerpt from www.globaled.us