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Home > Message from Patricia S. Harrison, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs

Message from Patricia S. Harrison,
Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs

When young students visit the United States as exchange program participants and experience first-hand the openness of American society, the closeness of our American family life as they gather at the home of a host family, and the warm welcome of the Americans they meet, we are observing the long-term benefits of our public diplomacy programs.

For more than forty years, the Bureau has supported programs that seek to promote respect and increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. More than 700,000 men and women — U.S. citizens and those from other countries — have participated in our exchange programs.

Through the Fulbright academic exchange program more than a quarter of a million individuals from 140 countries have had the opportunity to teach, conduct research, study, work and promote the exchange of ideas worldwide. Foreign participants in cultural and professional exchanges, and Americans who have studied abroad have gained a sense of personal empowerment, greater global awareness, and enhanced cultural understanding through their international education or exchange experience.

Rising young leaders from other countries come to America as International Visitors to participate in programs that emphasize issues such as rule of law, conflict resolution, democracy and the media, governance, and free markets. Through visits in their youth, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, Prime Minister Tony Blair, President Hamid Karzai, Lady Margaret Thatcher, and others, create a network of men and women who build bridges of international cooperation throughout the world.

From assistance to financially disadvantaged American students, to mid-career professionals from the developing world who demonstrate a commitment to public service, to English language training, our programs offer the positive link to greater international understanding.

Reaching beyond education and training programs, the Bureau takes a leading role in efforts to preserve cultural heritage through the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation. Established in 2001, the fund assists less developed countries in preserving their cultural heritage. And in so doing, we show our respect for other cultures.

Since September 11, we are keenly aware that a greater urgency exists to initiate and facilitate more meaningful dialogue between Americans and moderate voices everywhere in the world. My highest priority as Assistant Secretary is to engage more - not less - with the world. We intend to ensure our programs are a force for positive change and that they reach wider audiences, especially our youth.

Secretary Powell has said that "as we work together to end the scourge of terrorism, let us also work to create partnerships for peace and prosperity and democracy." International education and exchange can help us achieve those goals.

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