Foreign Leaders Who Participated in U.S. Exchange Programs Have Strong Connections to Our Country and People

No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive.      - Mahatma Gandhi

Tolerance, understanding, respect, enlightenment: these are only a small sample of the words used by some to explain their experience with cultural exchange programs. These sentiments were reflected in U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's message to the audience of the 4th annual EducationUSA forum, reminding attendees that the "transformative impact" of international exchanges is why they're such a high priority for him.

In our hyper-connected world, the problems we face increasingly need global solutions. Secretary Kerry acknowledged that providing the opportunities to create strong bonds between cultures can achieve global progress and fulfill the basic aspirations of people from all walks of life. These connections create resolutions that work across borders.

He also added that the long-term positive repercussions of international exchanges are evident in his interactions with prime ministers and other foreign leaders, who recall the strong connections they developed during their studies abroad. "None of this is fantasy," he reminds us. We couldn't agree more.

Read Secretary Kerry's Full Remarks (Link)