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President Bush visits the B.W. Tinker School in Waterbury, Connecticut.

"When students get to know each other, they learn the universality of many values. That's going to be important for peace in the world."

GEORGE W. BUSH
President of the United States

What is International Education Week?

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.

This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.

We encourage the participation of all individuals and institutions interested in international education and exchange activities, including schools, colleges and universities, embassies, international organizations, businesses, and associations, and community organizations.

Secretary Powell speaks to young people worldwide on MTV.

"I can think of no more valuable asset to our country than the friendship of future world leaders who have been educated here."

COLIN L. POWELL
U.S. Secretary of State

Secretary Paige visits Margaret Amidon Elementary School in Washington, D.C

"If we expect students to navigate international waters, we need to give them an international education that meets the highest standards."

ROD PAIGE
U.S. Secretary of Education

International Education Fast Facts

• International students in the United States come from more than 200 countries.

• 88% of American college students believe international education will give them a competitive edge in the workplace.

• International students contribute more than $11 billion each year to the U.S. economy.

• More than 70% of Americans believe that U.S. colleges and universities should require students to take a foreign language or study abroad.

• 86% of American college students believe having international students on campus enriches their own learning experience.

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, the American Council on Education, and the Institute for International Education

Teachers from Uzbekistan demonstrate a civics lesson they developed while in the United States under the Department of State's Partners in Education program.

Some Suggestions for Celebrating the Week

In the Classroom and on Campus...

1. Incorporate information on another country or culture into your regular lesson plan.

2. Adopt a school in a developing country and donate school supplies and other items.

   
   Assistant Secretary of State Patricia S. Harrison accepts a donation for Afghan children from students at Poplar Tree Elementary School in Chantilly, Virginia.

3. Trade questions and answers with students from another country through the Internet, pen pal clubs, or a digital video conference.

4. Invite foreign-born students to share the language, culture, food, and customs of their homelands with classmates at special events.

5. Feature local international experts as speakers: Fulbright Scholars, former diplomats or Peace Corps volunteers, business leaders working for multinational corporations, or journalists.

6. Host an international career or study abroad fair.

In Communities...

1. Encourage the Governor or Mayor to issue a proclamation commemorating International Education Week.

2. Work with local international visitor councils to arrange visits by international guests to local schools and universities.

3. Spotlight International Education Week events through articles and broadcast coverage in the local news media.

Indonesian journalists visit U.S. classrooms as part of the Department of State's International Visitor Program.

In Embassies...

1. Visit a local school or university classroom or invite students to discuss your country's culture, history, and political system.

2. Sponsor a video or online chat between high school students in the United States and your home country.

3. Provide background materials to help teachers incorporate information about your country into their curriculum.

4. Host a performance, reading, screening, or exhibit by an artist who has spent time in both the United States and your country.

Yesterday's International Students and Exchange Participants Help to Secure the Future

U.N. Secretary-General Annan speaks at Macalester College in Minnesota, where he had been an international student from Ghana.

"The focus which I found [as an international student] has never failed me... Perhaps it was that experience that set me on the road to where I am now."

KOFI ANNAN
United Nations Secretary-General 2001 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate B.A., Macalester College

Distinguished Program Alumni

KING ABDULLAH II, Leader of Jordan

MAYA ANGELOU, Poet and Author

GARRICK UTLEY, Broadcast Journalist

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines

CRAIG BARRETT, CEO of Intel Corporation

TONY BLAIR, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

PRINCE SAUD AL-FAISAL, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia

TORU HASHIMOTO, President of Fuji Bank

HAMID KARZAI, President of Afghanistan

KWAME NKRUMAH, Former President of Ghana

SHIMON PERES, Former Prime Minister of Israel

GERHARD SCHROEDER, Chancellor of Germany

JAVIER SOLANA, Former Secretary-General of NATO

ALEJANDRO TOLEDO, President of Peru

ATAL BIHARI VAJPAYEE, Prime Minister of India

KATHY WALDRON, Former Vice President of Citibank

During International Education Week 2001, Secretary Paige joins students for a NASA Spacelink with U.S. and Russian astronauts on the International Space Station.

At the International Conference on Higher Education in Morocco, Assistant Secretary of State Harrison announces the Partnerships for Learning program "with the mutual goal of reaching a better tomorrow for all of our youth."

American educators participating in the Department of Education's Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program in Oudaya, Morocco.

First Lady Laura Bush and an interpreter listen as Japan's Princess Hisako Takamado reads a book she has written, Katie and the Dream-Eater, to students at Akashi Elementary School, February 2001.

"The most important gift we can give the world's children is the gift most likely to lead to future peace and prosperity. That is the gift of a good education."

LAURA BUSH
First Lady of the United States

Fulbright Student Julien Attakla-Ayinon from Benin helps a student with a learning activity at the Neighborhood Learning Center in Washington, D.C.

Want to Get Involved?

Volunteerism is important to your neighbors and your country. To find out more, visit the International Education Week website at http://exchanges.state.gov/iew. Also, tell us about events you are planning for the week so they can be included on the website. Contact us by e-mail at feedback@pd.state.govor by mail:

United States Department of Education
Office of the Under Secretary
International Affairs Division
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC • 20202-8401 • USA

United States Department of State
Office of Global Educational Programs
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
301 Fourth Street, SW • Room 349
Washington, DC • 20547 • USA

This page last modified—October 10, 2002 (jer).