The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act of 2007 (H.R. 1469/S.991), named for the late Senator Paul Simon, is expected to have a significant impact the next generation. The goal is to create a foundation with a goal to send one million American students abroad each year over the next 10 years. US student involvement in study abroad programs enhance their international marketplace competitiveness, create greater international sensitivities and further cultural understanding of the US by exposing the global community to American study abroad participants. The bill that has passed the House, and is pending in the Senate, would appropriate $80 million annually for the foundation, which would be distributed in the form of grants to students through universities and other study abroad providers.
Congress has established some of the following findings in regards to this legislation:
- According to a national survey conducted by Lake Research Partners and the Tarrance Group, the majority of Americans believe that it is important for their children to learn other languages, study abroad, attend a college where they can interact with international students, learn about other countries and cultures, and to prepare for a global age.
- US students score below their counterparts in other advanced countries on indicators of international knowledge. This lack of global literacy is a national liability in a globalized society.
- It is of paramount importance that the United States be a responsible, constructive leader that other countries are willing to follow. Such leadership requires informed citizens with more knowledge and awareness of the world than most Americans currently possess. We must also equip our students to communicate American values through the unique dialogue that takes place among citizens from around the world when individuals study abroad.
The bill's author, Chairman Lantos stated, "It opens up for every American college student, irrespective of his or her socioeconomic status, the opportunity of spending a year or more involved in serious language and area study all over the world."
