Nations the world over are grappling with economic uncertainty, and the U.S. has not been immune, with people in poor communities being hit the hardest.
Contentious negotiations over raising the federal debt limit culminating in a last-minute deal containing trillions in discretionary spending cuts have caused further worries, exacerbated by concerns the cuts will hit the most vulnerable.
The most important investment — whether at the local, state or national level — is education. An educated and well-informed citizenry is critical to the long-term health of a country. If the U.S. expects to maintain a leading and competitive advantage in science, technology, industry as well as culture, then everyone needs to receive a quality education. At the same time, we need to engage in the exchange of ideas with people from other parts of the world.
The speed and power of electronic technology allows educators and students to communicate and even see one another across time and great distances. But there is no substitute for visiting another country, engaging with people face to face, examining their solutions to problems and learning to communicate in their language.
Educational exchanges afford others the opportunity to learn about the United States, the diversity of its people, and understand why American innovation is the envy of so many people around the world.
The United States’ commitment to support international exchange programs represents a fraction of federal spending yet is one of the best investments of taxpayer dollars. The Fulbright program is one example that focuses on individual recipients.
At the other end of the spectrum is the Higher Education for Development, or HED, which fosters partnerships between universities in the United States and developing countries.
