Durbin, Wicker Reintroduce Legislation To Promote Study Abroad

Durbin, Wicker Reintroduce Legislation To Promote Study Abroad

Lawmakers say study abroad prepares U.S. college graduates to compete globally

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) today reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act, which renames a competitive grant program run by the Department of State to the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program. The grant encourages institutions of higher education to sustainably expand study abroad opportunities to nontraditional locations for underserved American undergraduate students. It is named after the late United States Senator Paul Simon (D-IL), who encouraged Congress to prepare the next generation of Americans with the global knowledge and skills needed for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Durbin has continuously re-introduced the legislation over various Congresses. This year is Durbin's last introduction before he retires at the end of this term. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01).

"Senator Paul Simon always knew the value of understanding how the world works and how we are all interconnected," Durbin said. "This legislation builds on Senator Simon's vision by creating opportunities for American students of all backgrounds to see and experience the world. By giving the next generation of students the chance to study abroad, they will be better prepared to lead successful lives and expand their worldview."

"Study abroad is a valuable experience for many American college students who hope to become our country's future leaders," Wicker said. "I appreciate this effort to expand access to study abroad for thousands of undergraduates who would not otherwise have the opportunity."

"Getting out of the classroom and into the world is incredibly valuable for today's students, whose experiences will help them lead the way in building a more prosperous, peaceful, and stable future," said Schneider. "Senator Paul Simon championed study abroad for American students of all backgrounds and I am proud to get to carry on his legacy with this bipartisan bill co-led by Congressman Fitzpatrick and Senators Durbin and Wicker."

"America's leadership in the 21st century will be shaped by the leaders we prepare today. Study abroad is an essential part of a well-rounded education-giving our students the opportunity not only to visit and study in nations around the world, but to serve as ambassadors for American values, ideas, and leadership. This bipartisan initiative opens that door wider. By expanding access to international education for one million students over the next decade, we will ensure that young Americans from every walk of life and background are prepared to compete in tomorrow's economy, lead with purpose, and strengthen our country's place in the world," said Fitzpatrick.

"In 2003, my father spent the last year of his life urging his former colleagues in Washington to make study abroad the norm and not the exception in this country" said Martin H. Simon, the son of the late senator. "Just days before his death, Dad asked Senator Durbin to champion this fight going forward, and to Durbin's credit, he has been trying for the past 20 years. Now, on the eve of his retirement, I hope the Congress will see fit to supporting this legacy vision and pass the Simon Study Abroad Program Act."

"The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act strengthens one of the nation's most important investments in globally prepared talent," said Fanta Aw, PhD, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. "By codifying and expanding the IDEAS program into law, this legislation will open doors for more students across institution types, to access transformative study abroad experiences that build the skills, knowledge adaptability, and intercultural competencies demanded in today's global economy. Expanding global learning is not a luxury; it is a national imperative. We applaud the bill's sponsors for their leadership in strengthening U.S. competitiveness, advancing economic and national security interests, and preparing the next generation of globally engaged leaders."

As China and other global competitors continue to build key relationships with developing countries, it is essential that the United States and a diverse demographic of American students have access to study abroad programs in nontraditional locations so that our nation maintains its competitive edge and students have the cultural and linguistic competency to compete. According to UNESCO, nearly 1.1 million Chinese college students study abroad annually while only 110,000 American college students do. Students of color, first-generation college students, community college students, and students with disabilities are underrepresented in study abroad participation.

The goals of the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program are to:

• Increase the number of undergraduate students studying abroad annually to one million students within 10 years;
• Increase the number of minority students, first generation college students, community college students, and students with disabilities studying abroad by prioritizing grants for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, and institutions that qualify for the Department of Education's Strengthening Institutions Program, so the demographics of study abroad participation better reflect the demographics of the undergraduate population; and
• Increase the number of students who study abroad in nontraditional destinations, with an emphasis on economically developing countries, while maintaining health and safety guidelines and procedures informed by Department of State travel advisories and other appropriate Federal agencies and resources.

In 2004, Congress authorized the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program to provide recommendations to Congress and the President on how to expand opportunities for American undergraduate students to study abroad with a special emphasis on study abroad in economically disadvantaged countries. This bipartisan bill seeks to implement those recommendations.

Durbin first introduced this legislation in 2006 as the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Act based on the recommendations of the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program - of which Durbin was a member.

This bill is supported by the following organizations: NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Academic Programs International, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers, American Association of Community Colleges, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Association of Teachers of French, American Association of Teachers of Italian, American Association of Teachers of Japanese, American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, American Classical League, American Council on Education, American Councils for International Education, California Language Teachers' Association, CETRA Language Solutions, Connecticut Council of Language Teachers, Delaware Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Fluency Consulting LLC, Foreign Language Association of North Dakota, Foreign Language Association of Virginia, Fund for Education Abroad, German American Partnership Program, Global Seal of Biliteracy, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, IES Abroad, Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling, Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association, Institute of International Education, Intercultural Student Experiences (DBA Xperitas), International Association for Language Learning Technology, International Educators of Illinois, Joint National Committee for Languages, Kansas World Language Association, Kentucky World Language Association, Language Magazine, Linguistic Society of America, MARACAS / Learning Kaleidoscope, Model Language Association, National Association for College Admission Counseling, National Committee for Latin and Greek, National Council for Languages and International Studies, National Education Association, National Network for Early Language Learning, New Mexico Organization of Language Educators, New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers, Pacific Northwest Council for Languages, Pennsylvania Council for International Education, Southern Conference on Language Teaching, TESOL International Association, The Alliance for International Exchange, The Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island, The Forum on Education Abroad, United Negro College Fund, and West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers Association

Bill text is available here.

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