Comments for NAFSA: Association of International Educators Blog

Comment on Resolve to Educate and Advocate in 2012 by Kayla

Kayla — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:25:37 +0000

Even if you feel that what you do creates little impact of the policy makers….every little bit helps and they do hear you. Education and education abroad is very important to continue advocating and making your voice heard. We’ve seen so many cuts in education….it’s the one thing that shouldn’t experience any cuts as it is vitally important to the future of our country and its citizens.

Comment on Is Having a Global Mindset as Important as Technical Skills in Today’s Economy? by LaCarla Holmes

LaCarla Holmes — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:02:36 +0000

This article discusses the importance of competitiveness in a global economy. As we engage in the development of creating opportunities for students to study abroad, I think the country is realizing the importance of international education as a means to making our citizens more successful when compared to other nations such as China. Studying abroad will help us curtail this issue.

Comment on President Obama Must Lead a National Conversation on Immigration Reform by Tina

Tina — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:20:44 +0000

Immigration reform is desperately needed. Our current system is outdated. We clearly need avenues for more people to work legally- something we are lacking now! I continue to wonder about the messages we send through both inaction or action on this though. There are hundred of thousands of people waiting patiently for years to immigrate to the United States doing everything legally. As a field, we tell our students to follow the law exactly and send them through many hoops if they do one small thing wrong. Comprehensive reform has to take fairness issues into consideration from many perspectives, considering those waiting in line abroad or here on visas hoping for more options, and those already hear undocumented due to many factors.

I would like to see NAFSA genuinely address comprehensive immigration reform. NAFSA has made almost NO mention in any advocacy or work about same-sex couples. We have many F1/J1 students who can’t bring their same-sex partners on F2/J2 visas. We have many F1/J1 LGBT students who have US partners. Their legal US citizen partners can do nothing to sponsor them for citizenship. I know more than one US colleague who has had to leave the United States to remain with their partner due to heterosexist immigration policies. These are issues that directly impact student exchange and the population we work most closely with. I would like to see NAFSA address these issues in addition to the important emphasis on worker visa reform and fair-minded and humane approaches to dealing with BOTH undocumented workers and with those waiting legally for a chance to work or live in the U.S.

Comment on With State of the Union Address, President Takes Key Step Toward a National Conversation on Immigration Reform by Jason

Jason — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:59:53 +0000

I agree this is very important to be competitive on a global level. It adds diversity and definitely needs reformed. At the same time, we need to better educate those citizens that we already have. It’s like looking at your GPA: You can add a four-credit “A” to improve it. But you are more likely to improve it by replacing a four-credit “F” with an “A”.

Comment on A Roundtable of Obama Administration Heavy Hitters Talk Development and Education by http://blog.nafsa.org/2010/10/08/a-roundtable-of-obama-administration-heavy-hitters-talk-development-and-education/ | Minot State University

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:42:21 +0000

[...] http://blog.nafsa.org/2010/10/08/a-roundtable-of-obama-administration-heavy-hitters-talk-development…. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like this post. [...]

Comment on With State of the Union Address, President Takes Key Step Toward a National Conversation on Immigration Reform by LaCarla Holmes

LaCarla Holmes — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:32:17 +0000

This is a vey important topic of discussion. Since we are taking so many steps to make ourselves more competitive on a global level, we must take the necesary steps to promote immigration reform. We hear about immigrants trying to enter this country illegally, but many would like to come to here to make this world a better place by conducting research. Many individuals often hear this is the “land of opportunity” and they would just like to give their families a chance. Is this wrong?

Comment on Is Having a Global Mindset as Important as Technical Skills in Today’s Economy? by Kayla

Kayla — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:15:21 +0000

In this increasingly globalized economy it is very important that Americans understand and appreciate the differences in other cultures. It would seem that Americans generally expect for the “other” people to learn our langauge and and accomodate us…why aren’t we expected to reciprocate? That’s why I feel it’s so important to send our students overseas to begin learning how to interact properly within foreign environments.

Comment on Rick Steves on Study Abroad: It’s Necessity, Not Luxury by Ryan Lorenz

Ryan Lorenz — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:39:46 +0000

Isn’t Rick Steve’s son now working in study abroad?

Comment on Rick Steves on Study Abroad: It’s Necessity, Not Luxury by Rick Steves: Study Abroad a “Necessity” « Notes from the Road

Rick Steves: Study Abroad a “Necessity” « Notes from the Road — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:02:51 +0000

[...] and all-around travel dork Rick Steves made some unexpected waves last week when he declared that “Study abroad is a necessity, not a luxury” article in a USA Today opinion piece. His opening lines were: Even in challenging economic times, [...]

Comment on Rick Steves on Study Abroad: It’s Necessity, Not Luxury by Agustavia Dramado

Agustavia Dramado — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:38:18 +0000

I think colleges and universities are not doing a good job of promoting international study to students. Most minority students have never been introduced to the idea because they are automatically seen as unable to study abroad financially. I think all resources should be made available to students so that they are given this option. First present the option, just as classes are presented in house, provide a detailed presentation on how study abroad is possible, and then list the rewarding benefits. I have attended several schools and no one has ever discussed study abroad during my enrollment. Until we increase awareness of study abroad it will continue to be a lost treasure.