A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

FOR RELEASE
September 25, 2000

Contact:
Melinda Ulloa
(202) 205-8811

FIRST-EVER INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK IS NOV. 13-17

U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley has set the week of Nov. 13 as a special time for students to recognize the value of gaining a broad understanding of the cultures, languages and governments of other nations.

"The power of people-to-people connections plays an ever increasing role in today's global economy," Riley said. "I strongly believe that the growth of democracy, economic prosperity and social stability throughout the world is linked to the advance of international cooperation and education."

International Education Week is part of a larger response by the Departments of Education and State to an April 19, 2000, Presidential directive aimed at increasing support for international education.

Riley has invited all of the ambassadors serving in the U.S. to visit a school or college during the special international week. So far more than 40 have accepted. Likewise, the State Department is asking U.S. ambassadors abroad to visit an educational institution in their area.

Riley noted that in 1997-1998, only 114,000 Americans studied at universities abroad - and only half of that number for a semester or more. He also said there should be a greater emphasis on teaching children a foreign language in the early grades and supports the dual-language program, in which children learn English, as well as gain or retain literacy in a second language.

"If more Americans understand the language and cultures of others, I believe that we will be more likely to avoid conflicts and reach across the cultural differences to form international friendships and partnerships," Riley said.

Riley has visited and met with numerous APEC and G8 ministers of education as well as the ministers from Brazil, Ireland and Mexico. These meetings have created a spirit of international cooperation that has helped students in the U.S. and elsewhere take greater advantage of the latest learning technologies, access to the internet, and distance learning opportunities in order to further their education.

Additional information, including the complete text of the directive, is available online at http://exchanges.state.gov/iep.

###