Studying abroad in any country is a unique and rewarding experience. By studying abroad, college students not only gain a global perspective on their area of study, but also get to experience the language, culture, and customs of a foreign country.
According to the United States' Department of State, there were 13,165 college students who chose to study abroad in China during the 2007-2008 academic year, about one-tenth of the number of Chinese students studying at American colleges and universities. Given the growing relationship between the United States and China and the need for more professionals who understand Chinese culture, language, and customs, U.S. President Barack Obama has launched the 100,000 Strong Initiative. The initiative aims to increase the number of American college students studying abroad in China to 100,000 by the year 2014.
What is the 100,000 Strong Initiative?
The 100,000 Strong Initiative was first unveiled in November 2009 during President Barack Obama's visit to China and was officially launched by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in May 2010, says the Department of State's website.
“The State Department sends more Americans to study abroad in China than to any other country, “said Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Ann Stock in a White House press release on January 19, 2011, “Students who study abroad learn firsthand how critical international exchange programs are to developing the next generation of global citizens.”
Obama's 100,000 Strong Initiative helps provide assistance to higher education institutions in order to increase the number of students who have the ability to study abroad, According to a press release from First Lady Michelle Obama's office, the initiative also hopes to reach student groups who are often underrepresented among study abroad groups, including minority students, community college students, high school students, and those seeking advanced degrees in science and technology sectors.
Opportunities for Studying Abroad in China under the 100,000 Strong Initiative
One provision of the 100,000 Strong Initiative is to increase private sector funding, which is the sole source of monetary support for the project, to provide more opportunities for students to study abroad, specifically in China.
Higher education associations have pledged to make more funds available for students to engage in study abroad experiences. These funds are being used in terms of increased funding for programming and financial aid for those studying abroad to offset the expense of the trip.
Additionally, organizations such as The Ford Foundation, GreenPoint Group, and the Friend of Charitable Education Trust are providing funds and networking opportunities for students who wish to study in China and for those who have studied abroad in China in the past. The Chinese government is also providing 10,000 "bridge" scholarships for American students studying in China. These scholarships will cover travel and living expenses while in China and will be targeted at high school and college students, says ChinaCSR.
Van Eyck Global, an investment firm, has also contributed $100,000 to the U.S.-China Education Trust (USCET.) The USCET has awarded this money to four American colleges and universities to provide travel grants to students who are planning to study abroad in China. These colleges and universities include the University of Arkansas, Boston University, Northern Alabama University, and San Francisco State University.
According to San Francisco State University's public relations office, the university received $20,000 as a part of the grant to fund travel expenses for students traveling to China. "We make our programs financially accessible, but one of the biggest costs for students studying in China is expensive flight tickets. These scholarships will help our students to realize their goals of studying in China," Hildy Heath, director of the Office of International Programs at SFSU, said in a university press release.
For students looking to study abroad, there are a wide variety of options available. Under Barack Obama's 100,000 Strong Initiative, students who are looking to study abroad in China may see that opportunity become a reality through increased support and availability of study abroad programs in China.
Sources
- "100,000 Strong Initiative" The U.S. Department of State, State.gov, accessed 1 February 2011.
- "First Lady Michelle Obama Urges American Youth to Strengthen U.S. - China Ties" The White House Office of the First Lady, Whitehouse.gov, published 19 January 2011, accessed 1 February 2011.
- "New '100,000 Strong Initiative' Hopes to Build U.S. - China Golden Bridges" ChinaCSR, ChinaCSR.com, accessed 2 February 2011.
- "Study abroad funded through Obama's '100,000 Strong Initiative" San Francisco State University Public Relations, Sfsu.edu, published 1 February 2011, accessed 2 February 2011.
Ashley Anderson - Ashley is an Ohio-based writer and editor with specializations in higher education, writing, and social activism.
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