By Kyle D’Souza
In remarks delivered at her swearing-in ceremony earlier this month, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Ann Stock highlighted the positive impact that educational exchanges can have on participants and on U.S. foreign policy. Noting that “in the last six weeks alone, six of our program alumni have become heads of state or heads of government,” Stock went on to say that “through our ongoing contacts with these ‘alumni,’ we foster relationships with new generations and fuel an engine for change that is perhaps unprecedented in American diplomacy.” Next month, a seventh alumnus will become president of Colombia. These seven alumni and the programs they participated in include:
- Julia Eileen Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia (assumed office on June 24, 2010)-International Visitor Leadership Program, 2006
- Naoto Kan, Prime Minister of Japan (assumed office on June 8, 2010)-International Visitor Leadership Program, 1980
- Bronisław Komorowski, president-elect of Poland (elected July 4, 2010; assuming office in August, 2010)-International Visitor Leadership Program, 2006
- Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic (assumed office on June 28, 2010)-International Visitor Leadership Program, 1994 and 1999
- Iveta Radičová, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic (assumed office on July 8, 2010)-Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, 1998
- Juan Manuel Santos, president-elect of Colombia (elected June 20, 2010; assuming office on August 7, 2010)-Fulbright Foreign Student Program, 1980
- Christian Wulff, president of Germany (assumed office on June 30, 2010)-International Visitor Leadership Program, 2000
Several of these alumni had additional international experiences. Colombian president-elect Santos, for example, completed his bachelor’s degree with honors in economics and business administration at the University of Kansas prior to his Fulbright Fellowship at Tuft University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Before becoming prime minister of Australia, Julia Eileen Gillard worked to introduce changes to the Australian Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ASOS) of 2000 to strengthen the quality and integrity of the international education sector. Her commitment to international education will continue while she serves as co-chair of the Australian-American Fulbright Commission.
Kyle D’Souza is an intern working with the public policy department at NAFSA: Association of International Educators during the summer of 2010. She is working toward a Masters in International Education at New York University, with a concentration in International Development. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Toronto-Trinity College in 2009.
Thanks for compiling the list Kyle!
Thanks for this great information. Being able to point to specific individuals whose leadership skills were honed by the programs we work on helps us motivate our board, volunteers and staff.
There is no doubt the exchange programs bear fruitful results and these seven leaders of various countries have proved it. In my small exile community, former US scholarship recipients are taking more important roles inside the Government and in NGO’s. We might have another leader to add to the above list soon as the new Tibetan Prime Minister of exile Tibetan Government. The preliminary election is in March and final in August this year.
Unfortunately, one of my student who got a four year full scholarship to study at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, as an exchange student, was denied visa by the US Consulate Generals Office in New Delhi. His second attempt too was disappointing. The only logical reason for the denial was him being Tibetan who do not have enough property and bank balance.
College for Higher Tibetan Studies (where I work) undertakes fall semester study abroad program for Miami University students since 2009 and spring semester study abroad program for Emory University, GA, Atlanta since 2001. Besides, we also host summer programs for Emory, Michigan University and Portland State University. We have singed partnership agreement with both the Universities to exchange students, faculty and research work. Sadly, the US visa policy towards Tibetans had been very disappointing, especially to those who receive full scholarship from our American counterparts.
Denial of visa to Tibetan students based on the ground that he/she do not have enough bank balance and property to prove his return after completing the studies is illogical. I find this an excuse and discriminating. Earlier, one of our faculty was also denied visa.
I hope concerned people in the Government and Consulate see to this matter and take steps to motivate us. We need positive attitude towards such partnership from the Government to take these partnerships to a higher level. The benefit of such programs is seen beneficial to both the American and Tibetan students.
This article is a great nod to programs that value diversity and the development of the international learning community–it truly is a small world when everyone in it takes part in creating positive change.
Hi, thank you for your great post. I really appreciate the efforts you have put in your blog .It is interesting and helpful. Good luck with it!!! Education is really the key for everything. The creation or molding of world leaders is such a great accomplishment and such a good thing for the quality of education we have.
Dear Sir/Madam
Chief of the institution
I have been selected by the East West Center of USA to participate in the US Presidential Election Reporting Seminar which is schedule to take place on October 30 to November 11 2012. Accommodation and food during the event bears the East West Center and the charge of fee $5,740.00 and round trip air fare not bearing the organizer so could you sponsor me by funding that?
I am optimistic that your organization supports me. Other details will be as your advice.
Regards.
Dhruba Raj Sapkota
News Reporter/Broadcast Journalist
RADIO NEPAL
(National Radio Broadcasting Service)
Singhadurbar, Kathmandu, Nepal
URL: http://www.radionepal.org.np
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E-mail: sapkotadrs@yahoo.com
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