Letter to Newsweek

This letter was published in the March 3, 2009, edition of Newsweek

January 22, 2009

Newsweek
251 W. 57th St.
New York, NY 10019

To the Editor:
It was remarkable to read about the common bond of international experience and understanding that President Obama and some of his closest advisors share ("A Team of Expatriates," January 26). The tone of the new administration, and its instinctive recognition of America’s need to lead responsibly and engage collaboratively with the rest of the world, are hallmarks of a new era of leadership that understands the crucial importance of a global perspective. Young Americans want to follow their lead, and one of the best ways for them to do that is through study abroad. As a senator, President Obama joined colleagues from both sides of the aisle in supporting the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act, an innovative piece of legislation championed by his fellow Illinoisan Sen. Richard Durbin that would make it possible for many more American college students to study abroad. Thousands of American citizens have written letters to Capitol Hill urging passage of the bill, which nearly crossed the finish line last year. Congress should act quickly now to reintroduce and pass it. We cannot delay the urgent task of ensuring that the next generation of Americans is well prepared for life and leadership in the global age.

Marlene M. Johnson
Executive Director & CEO
NAFSA: Association of International Educators