Save Study Abroad, President Trump

A former classmate texted me last month that he got a Critical Language Scholarship to study in Asia this summer, for free. It was his dream to participate in this immersive program, and he had hyped the application to me for months. He should be excited, right?

As summer abroad scholarships are being released this spring, though, the Trump Administration has proposed cuts to many such exchange programs, which mainly get their funds from the State Department. These include the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and dozens of other initiatives. 

Thousands of students who received federal scholarships this year are unaware of whether their programs can even run at all. Due to cuts, many exchange programs are scrambling to see if they are able to cover flights, tuition, and housing to make this experience for students possible.

The classmate I mentioned was one I met through my gap year, where I studied abroad in Taiwan. I was able to immerse myself in a new country through the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), a Department of State program that awards high school students with scholarships for summer and year-long exchange programs. The goal of NSLI-Y is to promote critical language learning among American high schoolers. 

Like NSLI-Y, many exchange programs exist to support economic prosperity, to contribute to national security, and to spark youth interest in international relations. Often, alumni of these programs continue to study their host country’s language well after their programs have ended, study abroad again, and work in foreign affairs.

If you talked to anyone who spent a semester in a different country, they could go on for hours about all the unforgettable experiences they had. Living in a new environment, most say, not only cultivates resilience but also helps them learn more about themselves. In my experience, I went through much personal growth. I spent my time abroad reflecting on what I want in my career and life goals. I can also say it helped me prepare for college, as my limited time in Asia made me realize I should take advantage of what my school offers. Though the 18 other people in my program had individual stories of their year abroad, we all came home with shared values and lessons that we will carry throughout our college careers.

Study abroad programs also align with American interests, both domestically and internationally. By immersing students in different cultures, they prepare global leaders who can foster connections with other countries and support America’s global economic strategy. Cultural exchange is also a form of soft diplomacy, as students are trained to model America’s values abroad while respectfully engaging in the host country’s customs. These programs prepare students who don’t have the resources necessary for independent travel for a lifetime of intercultural connection.

Without the money to fund these programs, the country is moving backwards in promoting globalization. Unfortunately, cultural exposure cannot be taught in a classroom. It’s an experience that is unique to each student who studies abroad. If we want to send more diplomats overseas, they will need to be well-equipped with language capabilities, adaptability, and cultural awareness. “These experiences help prepare students for a globally connected workforce. Without federal support, the cultural competency of our domestic population and in turn, U.S. global competitiveness, will take a huge step backward,” explained Melissa Torres, CEO of the Forum on Education Abroad.

As many high school and college students are anticipating the fate of their trips, alumni like me are wondering about the reasons for these cuts. Trump may wants to shift to a less globalized nation and focus on our own resources. But no matter where the money he gains from cutting federal scholarships goes, study abroad programs play a crucial role in building life-long skills in American youth.