EXPERIENCE PERSONAL GROWTH :
General Statements

Clinton, Hillary Rodham
Current U.S. Secretary of State
United States




"To remain the leader in this ever-changing world, we have to push ourselves not just to think globally, but to get out there and study globally as well. I am asking all American students to think about expanding your own worldview by studying in another country. I hope the administrators of our American colleges and universities will support this study abroad experience."


Daft, Douglass H.
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Coca Cola Company




"International education ignites a passion for understanding other people and their perspectives. That's one important benefit to working or studying abroad - and it's essential to success in our increasingly diverse world. Students with international exposure come to understand the value of dialogue between people from different cultures and between people with different points of view. They also gain an understanding of the importance of relationships. Relationships are the foundation for meaning and success in life. They are also the foundation for strong businesses, especially businesses that care about creating mutual benefit."


Duncan, Arne
Current U.S. Secretary of Education
United States




"And I’m a big believer in international exchange programs. They are not just lofty-sounding programs with abstract benefits. In a global society, international exchange programs are economically vital and culturally invaluable."


 


Joyce M. Randolph
Executive Director
University of Pennsylvania, Office of International Programs




“Today, we must not be paralyzed, either physically or mentally. Not only must daily routines be taken up again, but we should also unlock our thinking—to realize that, now more than ever, it is important, indeed essential, to remain open to the world. Americans and citizens of other countries would be foolish and unrealistic not to remain ‘on alert.’ But, in the long run, to reach the goals of security and peace and prosperity, an absolutely essential factor is increased international understanding, greater tolerance for other cultures and beliefs, and enhanced familiarity with people who may initially seem uncomfortably foreign.”