► Reps. Steve Pearce (R-NM) and Jim Himes (D-CT) will serve as co-chairs of the newly formed Congressional International Exchange and Study Caucus, to “raise awareness of the importance of international exchange and study programs in the United States and around the world.”
► Access to high quality education and job opportunities are the top factors motivating STEM students to pursue degrees abroad, according to a recent British Council report discussed by PIE News.
► NAFSA President Fanta Aw says changes in the U.S. approach to study abroad are necessary in order to increase outbound student numbers, PIE News reports.
► Beyond the Wall, a documentary that recently aired on PBS, shows a “different face” of study abroad by following four high school students from D.C. public schools on their study abroad to China.
► A continuing resolution (CR) will keep the federal government funded at current levels through December 11, maintaining funding for Department of State educational and cultural exchange programs at the current FY15 level of $589.9 million. The CR was passed by Congress and signed by President Obama on Wednesday, September 30.
► Chinese President Xi engaged in people-to-people diplomacy during his U.S. trip, visiting a local high school in Tacoma, WA earlier this week.