International Education Week - November 17 - 21, 2003

November 17-21 marks the fourth annual International Education Week, a time to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education and is part of an effort to promote programs preparing Americans for a global environment. The annual event also seeks to attract future leaders from other countries to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States. More than 150,000 American students participate in international exchange programs each year. In addition, more than half a million international students, representing more than 200 countries, travel to the United States annually. Participants in international exchange programs benefit from the different cultural perspectives they experience and gain skills that broaden their interactions with people from different countries. As International Education Week is celebrated around the world, GovBenefits.gov is highlighting some of the benefit programs available for those interested in international education exchange options.

To learn more about International Education Week 2003, visit http://exchanges.state.gov/iew. For statistical information on Americans studying abroad and international students in the United States, visit Open Doors, the State Department-sponsored survey on international exchange at http://opendoors.iienetwork.org.

• American Council of Young Political Leaders

To enable emerging political leaders in the U.S. to experience firsthand the political and cultural dynamics of other countries; to offer politically active young people in other countries a similar experience in the United States. For more information visit www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits/benefits/report.jhtml?bid=711
• Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to U.S. undergraduates to pursue study abroad opportunities. For more information visit www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits/benefits/report.jhtml?bid=712
• Cultural Exchange (Performing Arts)

The Fund for U.S. Artists at International Festivals and Exhibitions (The Fund) is a public-private partnership established to help ensure that the excellence, diversity and vitality of the arts in the United States are represented at international festivals and exhibitions. For more information visit www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits/benefits/report.jhtml?bid=714
• Overseas Doctoral Dissertation

The Overseas Doctoral Dissertation program provides opportunities for graduate students to engage in full-time dissertation research abroad in modern foreign language and area studies with the exception of Western Europe. This program is designed to develop research knowledge and capability in world areas not widely included in American curricula. For more information visit www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits/benefits/report.jhtml?bid=408