International Education at the State Level

Last updated March 2008

Below is a list of current state-level initiatives that benefit international education at the postsecondary level, such as legislation, proclamations, consortiums, and commissions. If you are aware of initiatives not listed below, please notify us. Below please also find a list of Related Links.

State:

Select Here Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

States with an International Education Resolution

The following 22 states have passed resolutions in at least one Chamber. Vermont (May 2007) Montana (Apr. 2007) Indiana (Apr. 2007) Hawaii (Apr. 2007) Arkansas (Mar. 2007) Nevada (May 2005) Mississippi (Feb. 2005) Texas (May 2004, Apr. 2005) Louisiana (Apr. 2003) California (Sep. 2002) Kentucky (Apr. 2002) Florida* (Apr. 2008) Pennsylvania (Apr. 2008) Missouri* (Apr. 2008) Georgia* (March 2008) Wisconsin (March 2008) Illinois (March 2008) West Virginia (March 2008) New Mexico* (February 2008) Massachusetts (February 2008) Minnesota (May 2007) Oklahoma (May 2007) * State has resolution passed in one chamber of the state legislature View State International Education Resolution Resources

Alabama

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 Year of Study Abroad State Resolution: House Joint Resolution 534 (enrolled April 6, 2006)
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (168kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation
  

Other Initiative(s)

StudyAlabama.org sponsored by Alabama Council for International Programs (ACIP)
ACIP is an organization supported by institutions to promote international education in Alabama. StudyAlabama.org is an affiliated service that seeks to promote study in Alabama by foreign students and scholars and also for students at institutions of higher education in Alabama to study abroad.

Alaska

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (247kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education’s Alaska Advantage Programs - Exchange Programs
Through the National Student Exchange or other study abroad programs, Alaskans have the opportunity to study in other states or countries while working towards their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students’ tuition will remain at the in-state level while they are exploring other parts of the world.

Arizona

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (30kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Governor Janet Napolitano addressed the National Task Force on Education on August 23, 2005. In her address she urged the United States to change its stance on education in order to become more competitive.

Arkansas

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution

  Joint resolution HCR 1004 was passed by the Arkansas Senate and sent to Governor Mike Beebe for signing on March 7, 2007. The resolution aims "to ensure that students and future leaders are prepared to meet the challenges of a global society". (32kb ) Read More and View Photos.
  
  
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (40kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (287kb )

California

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution (12kb ) Signed into law on September 11, 2002 by Governor Gray Davis, the policy resolution seeks to maintain and bolster the quality of international education in California by encouraging institutions of higher education to support programs relating to learning about different cultures, global issues, and promoting the exchange of Californians and international students. This was added to California’s Education Code as Section 66015.7.

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (16kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (47kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Education Training & Export Consortium (ETEC)-Destination Southern California
ETEC is a nonprofit organization that helps match training and educational needs of international students and professionals with appropriate opportunities as well as working to market the education services of Southern California internationally. ETC also provides a network for business, educational institutions, and government to optimize quality education and training.

Colorado

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (63kb )
• 2006 Year of Study Abroad State Resolution: Senate Joint Resolution 06-036 (passed May 2006)

Connecticut

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (30kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (805kb )

Delaware

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (42kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (470kb )

Other Initiative(s

Delaware K-20 International Education Capacity Report - In August 2004, under the leadership of Governor Ruth Ann Minner, the DOE and Delaware International Trade Council (now called the International Council of Delaware) released a baseline study of the current status of international education in grades K-20 in the state. (2mb )

Vision 2015 is broadly-based collaborative effort by education, government, business and civic leaders throughout Delaware--to develop a world-class education to every student at every level. The Vision acknowledges that this effort is critical to maintaining it global competitiveness.

District of Columbia

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (28kb )
  

Florida

Legislation/Proclamations

International Education Policy Resolution HR 9033 passed on April 28, 2008<

Other Initiatives

Florida Consortium for International Education: Florida colleges and universities united to provide intercultural and international education opportunities for Florida's citizens and promote the benefits of international exchange.

Georgia

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution SR 1141 was passed on March 14, 2008.
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (485kb )

Guam

If you are aware of international education initiatives in this territory, please contact NAFSA.

Hawaii

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution

  The Hawaii State House and Senate adopted concurrent resolutions HCR315 and SCR173, respectively, on April 25 and 27, 2007. Read more and view photo
  
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (94kb )
  

Other Initiative(s)

Hawaii/Philippines Sister State-Province Agreement
On August 31, 2006 Hawaii and the Philippines Governors Lingle and Grace Padaca signed a sister state-province agreement to build on the long history of friendship and cooperation between Hawaii and the Philippines. The agreement also promotes further partnership opportunities in trade, education, health, technology, and social and cultural development.

Study Hawaii
Study Hawaii is a consortium of educational institutions throughout the State of Hawaii working together to promote educational opportunities - from K-12 to university level, as well as English language schools, and other training institutions.

Hawaii International Conference on Education
Hawaii has hosted an annual international conference on education since 2002. While Hawaii academics and other individuals interested in international education do attend, no Hawaii academic or political institutions support or fund the conference.

Idaho

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (40kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (90kb )

Illinois

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution SJR0075 was passed on March 13, 2008.
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (94kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (90kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Study Illinois - Illinois International Education Consortium
Study Illinois promotes Illinois institutions of higher education as an ideal destination for international students and scholars.

Indiana

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution

  Concurrent resolution, HCR0085, was adopted by the State House on April 26, 2007 and by the State Senate on April 28, 2007. Read More
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (74kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Destination Indiana
Destination Indiana seeks to create valuable networks that promote knowledge regarding the educational opportunities in Indiana for interested international students, parents, schools, and advisers. Destination Indiana wishes to promote diversity in the educational experience in Indiana.

Iowa

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (50kb )
  

Other Initiative(s)

Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS)
Established in 1993, IRIS is a nonprofit, nonreligious organization that promotes international education, development, and peace through rural initiatives in Iowa.

Study Iowa
Sponsored by Promote Iowa Education Internationally (PIE), this website promotes Iowa as a beneficial destination for international students and scholars.

Kansas

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (103kb )
  

Kentucky

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution: Signed by the Governor on April 11, 2002, SCR 142 urges the Kentucky Board of Education to encourage Kentucky educators and students to participate in international study and other activities that promote cultural awareness and mutual understanding and respect for citizens of other countries, and urges the Department of Education to identify international opportunities for learning.
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (44kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (1.0Mb )

Other Initiative(s)

International Education Summit Report
Stakeholders from business, education (P-16), and the community came together in October 2003 to identify strengths and weaknesses in international education in Kentucky; identify opportunities for Kentucky students and educators to participate in international study and cultural awareness building activities; and recommend strategies for an International Education Plan of Action that includes business, university, and community partnerships with P-12 schools. This report, issued in May 2004, reflects the comments made by participants around these three objectives as well as materials and processes used by summit participants and available for use in local venues.

Louisiana

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution: Concurrent Resolution No. 25, (12kb ) enacted on April 30, 2003, commends the efforts of the Louisiana Board of Regents’ Advisory Committee on International Education in their continued effort to establish an international education policy for the state and its institutions of higher education, and recognizes the importance of promoting international education, global literacy, and cultural awareness to students.

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (129kb )
  

Other Initiative(s)

Status of International Education in Louisiana Postsecondary Education (102kb )
The International Education Advisory Committee issued the Status of International Education in Louisiana Postsecondary Education in 2003 to the Board of Regents. In their report, the committee surveys the status of the field and provides recommendations for improvement including general education requirements, grant creation, and a symposium on international education and business.

Maine

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (32kb )
  

Other Initiative(s)

Maine International Relations Planning Committee
In January 2007, the Governor created the Maine International Relations Planning Committee. Seven members are appointment by the governor to the Committee, which works to "develop a plan for a public-private partnership to foster and implement additional opportunities for Maine citizens, institutions and organizations, and businesses to engage in international education, cultural, people-to-people and economic interchanges, coupled with expanded international education programs in Maine."

Maryland

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (90kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (515kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Maryland International Education Association (MIEA)
MIEA seeks to encourage international education at Maryland institutions of higher education through a variety of services. These services include a Web site providing information for international students, a study abroad scholarship for Maryland residents, and advocacy for international education within the state of Maryland.


The Governor's Subcabinet for International Affairs
The subcabinet was created to convene "on a regular basis for the purpose of developing, evaluating and coordinating a cohesive international strategy in order to enhance the State's competitiveness and stature in the global market place and international arena."

Massachusetts

Legislation/Proclamations

• A International Education Policy Resolution (213kb ) was passed on February 14, 2008.
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (29kb )

Michigan

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (287kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (539kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Board of Education Resolution (50kb )
Michigan State Board of Education issued a statement supporting international education. Board of Education members went to China and issued a resolution on the importance of international education.

Minnesota

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution: On May 18, 2007, the Minnesota legislature became the 13th in the nation to recognize the importance of international education when the Speaker of the House and the Secretary of the Senate signed a resolution supporting international education on behalf of the respective bodies. View the resolution as introduced.
  
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (113kb )

Missouri

Legislation/Proclamations

International Education Resolution (HCR7) was passed by the Missouri House of Representatives on April 16, 2008.

Mississippi

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution Resolution No. 9, approved by the Mississippi House of Representatives on February 15, 2005, encourages international education in the advancement of a global society. International education is critical for promoting a broadened worldview and thereby preparing Mississippians for life and work and the global economy; moreover creating a more diverse academic environment; and whereas the United States national security and economic competitiveness depend significantly on the country's ability to provide future leaders with the best education possible.

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Montana

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution, SJR12 was passed by the Montana legislature on April 21, 2007.

Nebraska

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (198kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (1,411kb )

Nevada

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution, SCR38 (177kb ) was enacted on May 16, 2005, encourages Nevada’s institutions of higher education to develop more area and country studies courses, enrich foreign language courses in order to better prepare students, and provide opportunities for postsecondary students of every field of study to have a study abroad experience. It also encourages interaction between domestic and international students in order to increase global and cultural understanding.
  

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (79kb )
  

Other Initiative(s)

Nevada System of Higher Education Revises Master Plan to Include International Education
Responding to last year's state international education resolution, on June 8, 2006, the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) revised their Master Plan. Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Jane Nichols submitted the proposal to revise the Master Plan to include rhetoric that states the Master Plan supports efforts to enhance international opportunities at Nevada's institutions of higher education.

New Hampshire

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (41kb )

• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (625kb )

New Jersey

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (31kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (1,098kb )

New Mexico

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution HM49 was passed on February 12, 2008.
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (42kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (982kb )

New York

If you are aware of international education initiatives in this state, please contact NAFSA.

North Carolina

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation
  
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation

North Dakota

If you are aware of international education initiatives in this state, please contact NAFSA.

Ohio

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (31kb )

Oklahoma

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution HCR 1041 was passed on May 21, 2007.
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (80kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (48kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Oklahoma Associations Supporting International Studies (OASIS)
OASIS is a collaboration of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. OASIS offers resources for primary, secondary, and postsecondary students and educators and seeks to globalize K-16 curricula.

Oregon

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (51kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Oregon Abroad
Oregon Abroad is sponsored by the Oregon University System Academic Exchange Programs. Oregon Abroad offers a variety of study abroad programs, an international internship program, and financial aid and scholarship resources for students.

Study Oregon
Study Oregon is an organization composed of a variety of different types of higher education institutions in Oregon working together to promote Oregon as a destination for international students and scholars.

Pennsylvania

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Edcuation Resolution passed SR311 (42kb ) and H30 (44kb ) on April 30, 2008
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (31kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (48kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Pennsylvania Council for International Education (PaCIE)
PaCIE has worked for over 30 years to strengthen international education in Pennsylvania. PaCIE seeks to create collaborative projects through its members to promote international education. PaCIE also advocates for further funding for Pennsylvania’s institutions of higher education for support of international educational curriculum and programs.

Puerto Rico

If you are aware of international education initiatives in Puerto Rico, please contact NAFSA.

Rhode Island

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (43kb )

South Carolina

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (30kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (664kb )

South Dakota

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (179kb TIF image)

• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (169kb )

Tennessee

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (44kb )

Texas

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution

House Resolution on International Education (22k )
This resolution, enacted by the Texas House of Representatives on May 17, 2004, resolved that international education is an essential part of the future for the state of Texas and that the House of Representatives is supportive of international education so that students and the future leaders of Texas will be competitive in a global society.

Senate Resolution on International Education
This resolution, enacted by the Texas Senate on April 4, 2005, recognizes the importance of international education and encourages Texas institutions of higher education to meet the challenges of a global society.

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (498kb )
  
  
• 2006 Year of Study Abroad Resolution was signed by Texas State Senator Kyle Janek (R-District 17) in August 2006.

Other Initiative(s)

Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC)
TIEC assists educators and students worldwide to strengthen instructional programs, build effective management and administrative structures, and develop a foundation for active, life-long learning. TIEC calls upon the expertise and knowledge of more than 25,000 faculty and administrators from 32 Texas universities in providing services to the global educational community.

Utah

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (602kb )

Vermont

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution

  Joint house resolution JHR30 was adopted by the Vermont legislature on May 9, 2007. Read More.
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (207kb )
  

Other Initiative(s)

Report by the Governor’s Council on International Education
Issued in October 2004, the report by the Governor’s Council recommends strengthening international education at the elementary and secondary level and also enhancing the ability of higher education institutions to offer international education by streamlining processes to allow more international scholars and professors to teach in Vermont.

Virginia

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (66kb )
• 2005 International Education Week Proclamation (892kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Virginia Council for International Education
VACIE advocates and promotes international education within the Commonwealth of Virginia. It seeks to increase awareness of the need for international education and to provide a forum to address current issues affecting international education within the Commonwealth.

Washington

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (96kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Washington State Coalition for International Education
Founded in the spring of 2003, the Washington State Coalition for International Education is an affiliation of individuals and organizations that seek to prepare P-20 students in the state of Washington for an interconnected world.

Study Washington
Study Washington has as its mission to promote the state of Washington as the best destination of international students who wish to study in the United States. The members of Study Washington represent all levels of education and locations in the state of Washington.

West Virginia

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution SR64 was passed on March 7, 2008.
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (170kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Report by the West Virginia Commission of International Education, “Preparing a Citizenry for the Global Age” (247kb )
Released in April 2004, the report recommends increasing international awareness and exchanges in both academic and community settings. The report also advises the greater use of technology, the strengthening of foreign language, international business, and cultural studies as well as creating links between educational institutions. The report recommends these actions at both the K-12 and higher education level.

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
The Higher Education Policy Commission sponsored a special conference on April 24-25, 2006 seeking to develop and enhance the international dimension of colleges and universities in West Virginia through sharing of best practices, exploring opportunities for meaningful collaborations on international programs, and developing strategies for higher education leadership.

Wisconsin

Legislation/Proclamations

• International Education Policy Resolution SJR-72 (12kb ) was passed on March 5, 2008.
• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (49kb )

Other Initiative(s)

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s International Education Web Site
This Web site provides information and resources on programs and initiatives by the state of Wisconsin regarding K-16 international education, including the International Education Council.

International Education Council
The mission of the council is to create alliances between academic, business, and community leaders to foster greater global understanding in new generations of students, educators, and citizens. The council seeks to ensure that international education is a part of state initiatives and business practices while also ensuring first and foremost that international education is integrated at all levels of education in Wisconsin.

International Wisconsin
This Web site provides links for Wisconsin residents seeking to make contacts abroad and people from other countries interested in Wisconsin.

Study Wisconsin
StudyWisconsin is a nonprofit group of higher educational and training organizations (Intensive English Language) in the state of Wisconsin. StudyWisconsin members are committed to connecting international students and professionals with quality Wisconsin higher education and training through joint international marketing activities.

Wyoming

Legislation/Proclamations

• 2006 International Education Week Proclamation (95kb )

Related Links

NAFSA's Economic Impact Statements
Annually, NAFSA calculates the economic impact of international students and their dependents on the U.S. economy. During the 2005-2006 academic year, NAFSA estimates that international students and their dependents contributed approximately $13.49 billion to the U.S. economy.

Driver's License Issues
National Immigration Law Center

American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators

The Asia Society’s States Institute on International Education in the Schools (K-12)

Council of Chief State School Officers

National Conference of State Legislatures

National Governors Association

Sisters Cities International

State Government Homepages