The Lincoln Commission Forum on Study Abroad and Economic Competitveness

February 15, 2007
National Press Club
Washington, DC

NASULGC, A Public University Association and the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program together with The Brookings Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers today is bringing together a select number of CEOs, diplomats and college presidents for The Lincoln Commission Forum on Study Abroad and Economic Competitiveness, a dialogue on the link between a global education and a skilled workforce.

William Gertz, President and CEO of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) addressed the group during a reception following the forum:

“For more than forty years, AIFS has been in a unique position. Since 1964, we have operated as a for-profit business in what had been a non-profit field.  It is gratifying to see that today these distinctions are less important. Today, representatives from business, government and the non-profit sector are all united in a single common goal: to send 1 million U.S. college students abroad each year. We are indebted to Peter McPherson, William DeLauder and the Lincoln Commission for creating a first-rate blueprint for this vision and moving it forward to the proposed legislation.

During my thirty years as a study abroad professional, I have seen first-hand how international education changes lives.  Each year, our students return from countries as diverse as Hungary, Argentina, the UK and China.  Despite their different experiences, all report a similar outcome.  They tell us, “the experience changed my life.” Not only do they gain important foreign language skills and knowledge about a new culture, they end up thinking differently about themselves, their culture and their country.

At AIFS, we have known for many years how acutely study abroad can influence young lives. With the Lincoln report, we can now also see that study abroad impacts our country: our national security, our diplomatic strength, and our competitiveness in the global market place.

Despite the national importance of study abroad, we also know that less than 1% of all enrolled U.S. undergraduates study abroad.  I submit to you that without the help of the private sector, we will not be able to reach our goal of one million study abroad students. Gatherings such as these, which involve the business community, are imperative; if we are to achieve this ambitious goal, we will need to reach across sectors and promote the benefits to studying abroad to a larger constituency. Government funding for scholarships is only part of the process.  Companies with global interests need to partner with colleges, universities and study abroad organizations to create more scholarship opportunities. Together, we can build a “war chest” for study abroad scholarships to enable a diverse group of students from four- and two-year colleges to go abroad.”

William L. Gertz
President & CEO
American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS)

Media Contact:
Mike Liberty
American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS)
mliberty@aifs.com
(203) 399-5187