Why is the Department of Education involved in international education activities ?
To Strengthen Education in the United States
Through international activities the Department of Education:
- learns about effective educational practices and policies abroad, which may help U.S. educators and policy makers to improve education in the United States;
- obtains data on the progress of U.S. education in comparison to other countries;
- increases opportunities for U.S. students and teachers to study or visit abroad; and
- helps to develop the capacity of U.S. institutions or individuals to teach about other countries, cultures, and languages.
To Provide Leadership in Education Worldwide
Through international activities the Department of Education:
- stimulates discussion and research on topics of priority to the United States.
- increases the chance that Americans working in the education field will be chosen when other countries seek expertise on education policy.
- ensures that the U.S. government speaks knowledgeably about education with foreign audiences when involved in high-level international meetings.
- builds mutual understanding on social issues with key partners abroad.
- shares information that may help other countries to strengthen their education systems.