Quotes/Testimonials
Energetic global leadership is a strategic imperative for America, not a favor we do for other countries. It amplifies America’s voice and extends our reach. In a world growing more not less interdependent, slashing foreign aid and development investments is a formula for isolation and shrinking influence. America can't opt out of a networked world.
-Senator John Kerry
I just think we can't do enough of this [student exchanges]… And when you get young children traveling internationally, I think they come back different people. And you can't put a price tag -- you can't put a value on that.
-U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan
Simple exchanges can break down walls between us, for when people come together and speak to one another and share a common experience, then their common humanity is revealed.
-President Barak Obama
The single most important and valuable thing we do is exchanges.
-Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Judith McHale
All sectors of American society and government are focused on the profound challenge of finding common ground and I believe exchanges are a key element. In exchanges, we rely on and engage our single greatest asset – the American citizen.
-Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs nominee, Ann Stock
Through organizations and programs such as the Peace Corps, International Visitors, Fulbright academic exchanges, student exchanges, and simply traveling to another country to learn their language and culture, we will prevent future tensions from developing as stronger ties between government and people expand.
-Congressman Jim Moran (D, VA)
I want to see more exchanges. So the exchange programs should be accelerated, in my view, to include many more opportunities, and we’re going to do that.
-Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton
Our Nation's story begins with a call to volunteer. As the beneficiaries of this legacy, we possess an obligation to volunteer and serve our fellow citizens with similar selflessness and optimism.
-President Barak Obama
Our nation must engage with the rest of the world. But to be successful, we must listen. Our interaction with the world must be a conversation, not a monologue. Many of these conversations begin with exchange programs run by the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). These exchanges are a strategic pillar of our nation's public diplomacy.
-Dina Habib Powell
Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs
United States Department of State
As September 11 showed us, when the State Department issued urgent calls for speakers of Arabic, we don't have enough national capacity in the major world languages to meet the need of our intelligence and counter-terrorism communities of our military, for effective partnership with our allies, or for homeland security. Police, public health and law enforcement officials will increasingly need to be able to deal with many different language groups... And they are not simply looking for translators, but for analysts and experts in many fields who can interpret the cultural context, too.
-Ambassador Nicholas Platt
America needs people who understand foreign cultures and who are fluent in locally-spoken languagesThe stability and economic vitality of the Untied States and our national security depend on American citizens who are knowledgeable about the world. We need civil servants, including law enforcement officers, teachers, area experts, diplomats, and business people with the ability to communicate at an advanced level in the languages and understand the cultures of the people with whom they interact.
-U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii
The U.S. will be less competitive and less secure if our schools do not urgently expand instruction in world languages, economics, and cultures. Knowledge of the world is no longer a luxury for the few, it is a necessity for all.
-Vivien Stewart
Executive Director, National Coalition on Asia and International Studies in the Schools
As a nation, we are losing our edge. In the lab,, in the classroom, and in the marketplace, the United States is seeing its competitive advantage dwindle. There is no doubt that America's foundation for our historical leadership in producing goods and services and creating personal and national wealth. But, in a globalized economy, our national well-being also hinges on future CEOs, managers, professionals, and entrepreneurs who are competent to conduct business in a global environment.
-Henry Kaufman and Thomas S. Johnson
Institute for International Education, Board Members
Toyota's investment in international exchange is one way to enable young people to see, hear, discuss and feel, first-hand, the impact of living in a country where customs, traditions and ways of thinking are different from their own. The skills that these future leaders develop, in relating to different peoples and different cultures, are critical in today's global workplace.
-Jana Martin Kemp
Assistant Project Manager
External Affairs, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
Over the years I have found that students who have returned from a significant international experience tend to have a broader outlook on the world and other cultures. They are usually risk-takers in the classroom and more engaged in the campus community. International experience seems to lead to very positive personal growth.
-David Borus
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Vassar College
We have found that welcoming foreign exchange students into our school provides not only a life-changing experience for the international students, but an even greater impact on our American students. Our school community has become more cognizant of the world around us and the interdependence of our global society.
-Dr. David Waters
Principal, Timberland High School
Wentzville, Missouri