The Collective Public Policy Voice of the Exchange Community

Secretary Kerry highlights the role of education and exchanges for U.S.-Vietnam relations

On a trip to Vietnam last week, Secretary of State John Kerry highlighted the importance of educational partnerships between the U.S. and Vietnam, and the role exchanges have played in the transformation of U.S.-Vietnamese relations.

During remarks delivered in Hanoi on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of normal diplomatic relations between the two countries, Secretary Kerry noted:

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:

American Academy of Arts and Sciences to conduct first national study on foreign language learning in three decades

In response to a request by a bipartisan group of Members of Congress, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) recently announced the formation of the Commission on Language Learning that will conduct the first national study on foreign language learning in more than 30 years, PR Newswire reports.

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: