Exchanges will play “a unique and critical role” in the normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations, Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs Evan Ryan said in her opening remarks for a symposium at George Washington University on Wednesday.
Recent currency depreciations in various emerging markets worldwide have ignited a conversation about international student enrollment rates in the U.S. and the U.K., according to University World News. Experts remain divided on the potential impact, as some worry the financial situation will decrease international student enrollment while others doubt the fluctuations in currency values are significant enough to cause a change.
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.
A federal court found the 17-month extension to the F-1 optional practical training (OPT) program invalid, ruling that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not follow required procedures, Inside Higher Ed reports.
Nearly 800 J-1 exchange visitors gathered to volunteer in their local host communities on August 3 to celebrate the second annual J Day. Working together in 15 cities across the U.S., the exchange visitors packaged thousands of meals, cleaned up parks, collected hundreds of canned goods and school supplies, and raised money for the Special Olympics.
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.
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:
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:
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:
A group of “outstanding young nonprofit leaders [from] around the world” are serving U.S. nonprofits and honing their professional skills, reports The Washington Post.