The U.S. Department of State posted the remarks that Tara Sonenshine, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, gave at Drake University on September 10, 2012. In these remarks, Under Secretary Sonenshine discusses the importance of educational and cultural exchange programs abroad. As she notes, "study abroad for American students puts our own young people into direct and meaningful contact with [young, diverse] populations. It allows them to form lifelong ties and form enduring networks. That vibrant flow of exchange students creates a bridge—between our country and other nations. That is the essence of people to people diplomacy." 

As for the benefits, Under Secretary Sonenshine argues that an international exchange "enhances your ability to build global skills—an essential tool for the interconnected 21st century. It helps you become more competitive—an important attribute for your own futures. And it helps our country: The more competitive you are, the more competitive America is." Under Secretary Sonenshine noted that the Fulbright Program has been particularly effective at giving participants "the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, and exchange ideas in each others’ countries."

To read the full remarks, please visit: www.state.gov/r/remarks/2012/197511.htm.