International Studies in Higher Education Act

March 15, 2006

America’s international interests and national security concerns have taken on new importance in the post-9/11 era.  Whether in business and industry, education, politics, trade and commerce, or national and international security, American interests are tied to international knowledge.  Title VI of the Higher Education Act (HEA) provides support for a critically important group of programs at colleges and universities which work to advance knowledge of world regions, encourage the study of foreign language, and train Americans to have the international expertise and understanding to fulfill pressing national security needs.

In addition to providing increased understanding of the world, international and area studies programs in HEA develop a critical cadre of trained experts who play key roles in America’s competitiveness and national security interests.  The International Studies in Higher Education Act (H.R. 509), authored by Select Education Subcommittee Chairman Pat Tiberi (R-OH), seeks to strengthen and improve these programs to ensure they are reaching their full potential to expand opportunities for international study and enhance international knowledge and understanding.

In order to ensure international and foreign language study programs are reflective of the current world climate and meeting the nation’s needs, the legislation updates the findings and purposes of Title VI to:

• Reflect the current international climate, especially noting the effects of September 11, 2001 on the importance of international education; and

• Clarify support for linking these programs with overseas institutions of higher education that promote research and training abroad for Americans.

The International Studies in Higher Education Act reflects that Title VI programs are to support and coordinate with other federal programs in the areas of foreign language, area studies, and other international affairs.  In addition, the bill would:

• Create a new International Education Advisory Board for all Title VI programs to increase accountability by providing advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Education and the Congress on international education issues for higher education.

• Allow centers and programs to serve as a national resource for courses and materials for elementary and secondary schools, encouraging and enhancing international knowledge at all stages of education.

• Allow up to 10 percent of a project’s funds to be used for sending undergraduate students on educational programs abroad for the purpose of enhancing their foreign language proficiency and deepen cultural knowledge, and allow more of the overall Title VI funds to be used for undergraduate education.

• Evaluate the degree to which activities of programs, centers, and fellowships at institutions of higher education advance American interests, generate and disseminate information, and foster debate on international issues from diverse perspectives when awarding grants. This will help to ensure funds are best used to advance the purposes set forth in the Act.

• Clarify that the Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP) include all underrepresented populations in its program in order to enhance participation in international service.

• Recognize the first African-American to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize by naming students who receive internships, as part of the IIPP, as “Ralph J. Bunche Fellows.”