SCHNEIDER, FITZPATRICK REINTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO EXPAND STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNTIES

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to encourage institutions of higher education to expand study abroad opportunities to nontraditional locations for American students. The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act is named after the late United States Senator Paul Simon, who encouraged Congress to prepare the next generation of Americans with the global knowledge and skills needed for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

"International study experiences help American students expand their perspectives, build their skills, and be better prepared to succeed in all their pursuits-whether in business, education, or public service," saidRep. Schneider. "Senator Paul Simon championed study abroad for American students of all backgrounds and I am proud to help carry on his legacy with Congressman Fitzpatrick and Senators Durbin and Wicker to provide even more opportunities for our nation's future leaders."

"America's leadership in the 21st century will be shaped by the leaders we prepare today. Study abroad is an essential part of a well-rounded education-giving our students the opportunity not only to visit and study in nations around the world, but to serve as ambassadors for American values, ideas, and leadership. This bipartisan initiative opens that door wider. By expanding access to international education for one million students over the next decade, we will ensure that young Americans from every walk of life and background are prepared to compete in tomorrow's economy, lead with purpose, and strengthen our country's place in the world," said Fitzpatrick.

"Senator Paul Simon always knew the value of understanding how the world works and how we are all interconnected," Durbin said. "This legislation builds on Senator Simon's vision by creating opportunities for American students of all backgrounds to see and experience the world. By giving the next generation of students, the chance to study abroad, they will be better prepared to lead successful lives and expand their worldview."

"Study abroad is a valuable experience for many American college students who hope to become our country's future leaders," Wicker said. "I appreciate this effort to expand access to study abroad for thousands of undergraduates who would not otherwise have the opportunity."

The bill would build on the State Department's existing IDEAS program by creating competitive grants for colleges and universities to help remove financial, institutional, and cultural barriers that prevent many students from studying abroad. The legislation also aims to increase the number of American students studying abroad annually to one million within the next decade.

Supporting Organizations: This bill is supported by the following organizations: NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Academic Programs International, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers, American Association of Community Colleges, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Association of Teachers of French, American Association of Teachers of Italian, American Association of Teachers of Japanese, American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, American Classical League, American Council on Education, American Councils for International Education, California Language Teachers' Association, CETRA Language Solutions, Connecticut Council of Language Teachers, Delaware Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Fluency Consulting LLC, Foreign Language Association of North Dakota, Foreign Language Association of Virginia, Fund for Education Abroad, German American Partnership Program, Global Seal of Biliteracy, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, IES Abroad, Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling, Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association, Institute of International Education, Intercultural Student Experiences (DBA Xperitas), International Association for Language Learning Technology, International Educators of Illinois, Joint National Committee for Languages, Kansas World Language Association, Kentucky World Language Association, Language Magazine, Linguistic Society of America, MARACAS / Learning Kaleidoscope, Model Language Association, National Association for College Admission Counseling, National Committee for Latin and Greek, National Council for Languages and International Studies, National Education Association, National Network for Early Language Learning, New Mexico Organization of Language Educators, New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers, Pacific Northwest Council for Languages, Pennsylvania Council for International Education, Southern Conference on Language Teaching, TESOL International Association, The Alliance for International Exchange, The Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island, The Forum on Education Abroad, United Negro College Fund, and West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers Association

Read the full bill text here.

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