More U.S. students are pursuing degrees abroad
An increasing number of American students are enrolling in foreign universities for their undergraduate degrees, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Former U.S. Ambassador advocates for expansion of YES program
The U.S. government should double the number of participants in the Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, according to a The Hill blog post by former U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait Richard LeBaron.
Study abroad heightens nationalism but decreases perceived foreign threat
American students return from study abroad more nationalistic, but feeling less threatened by their host countries compared to their peers who have not yet studied abroad, according to a study recently discussed in the Washington Post.
Diplomacy and nuclear agreement create new potential for U.S.-Iran exchanges
A warming in U.S.-Iran diplomatic relations, along with a potential nuclear agreement, may create new opportunities for academic exchanges and partnerships between the two countries, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education and the PIE News.
President and State Department officials praise YALI fellows at second Presidential Summit
Meeting with 500 Mandela Washington Fellows earlier this week, President Obama praised the “incredible talent” of the fellows and the diplomacy value of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI):
“These connections, partnerships, and friendships forge an understanding that brings our peoples closer together.”
The YALI program is an opportunity to develop global leaders, Obama explained to the fellows:
Rep. Hank Johnson commends YALI program and Washington Mandela fellows
During the three-day Presidential Summit of the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders earlier this week, Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA) commended the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and its potential to foster change and create long-term, positive effects.
After congratulating the Washington Mandela fellows on their participation in the very competitive program, Rep. Johnson noted: