The role of educational exchanges in Public
Diplomacy caught my interest since the discussion on Australia-India relations
in April. When it comes to educational exchange, the United States has a strong
recall in India (Nearly 100,000 Indians study in the US every year). It also
contributed to building strong ‘generational bonds’ between both countries with
a promise to deepen the strategic partnership further.
To explore educational exchanges between India
and United States, I thought it worthwhile to meet with Ms Stephanie F. Morimura, Cultural Attaché for Exchanges, Embassy of
United States of America, in New Delhi. Stephanie helped me understand the
‘policy connection’ behind educational exchanges between India and United
States better. Stephanie received me at the American Centre and what followed
was a stimulating discussion on the role of education in Indo-US relations.
A STRATEGIC INITIATIVE
 |
| Stephanie Morimura at the American Centre in New Delhi |
“Every country has strategic goals,” said Stephanie and for United
States, exchange programs promote better understanding and cooperation among
people of both countries. Eventually, Stephanie said it helps “cooperating
better on a range of issues, including security issues, especially regional
security.” It’s the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, under the Department of State that is the nodal
body administering these programs worldwide. The money that is spent worldwide
varies from mission to mission in support of specific goals of every mission.
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
Most of us who are familiar with Fulbright
programs only, Stephanie said the depth and extent of engagement of United
States in educational exchange is actually quite comprehensive. For a list of programs
that are operational worldwide see the following link: Exchange
Programs.
Stephanie talked at length about the International
Visitor’s Leadership Program with India. “India has one of the largest programs,” she said.
This is actually a demonstration of the deepening ties between both countries
at the strategic level. The department’s website describes this program as, “The International Visitor Leadership Program
(IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange
program. Launched in 1940, the IVLP is a professional exchange program
that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations
through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and
emerging foreign leaders.”
“Ms Indira Gandhi and President Pratibha Patil
have been IVLP fellows,” said Stephanie.
BUILD NETWORKS OF INFLUENCE
The
focus of current exchange programs with India is to build networks and sustain
those to create an enduring relationship between both countries. This is a paradigm shift from earlier times
where it just ended with facilitating an exchange. Stephanie talked
passionately about newer domains that her department is moving into like social
developmental projects. There are programs for youth from underprivileged
sections (who otherwise do not have the means to travel to US) that give opportunities
to them to visit the US for summer and year-long study programs. They are
supported with a mentorship program when they are back in India and connected
with other alums of various programs so that their development is continuous.
“We do not want them to flounder when they are back,” said Stephanie of the
mentorship program demonstrating a commitment for a long term involvement in
the lives of these people and also an appreciation of their need for joining
the mainstream once back from United States.
BARRIERS TO EXCHANGES
While the number of visitors from India is huge
one of the challenges is the relatively smaller number of Americans who come to
India to study. On an average, only 2800 students come to India from United
States annually. Most of these come for short term programs. This is a
significant barrier for both countries to overcome. “There are infrastructure
constraints on Indian campuses and the support system for international
visitors needs to be built up.,” said Stephanie.
However the potential for this partnership to
grow is huge. “There is also a huge interest in U.S. Universities for
partnership with Indian educational institutions and we are actively
encouraging that.” She said that the US and India hope to hold a higher
education summit in the Fall this year to build ties between educational institutions
of both countries.
I asked Stephanie if educational ties
contributed to India being listed as among the few countries where US has high
positive mindshare according to a Pew Survey last year. “Mutual understanding
is the key,” said Stephanie and agrees that educational exchanges enable a
better appreciation of U.S. society, values and culture. Educational exchanges are
focused on experiential learning and she said, “Nothing beats personal
experience.”
 |
| Study of United States Institutes (SUSI) alumni |
Suggestions/Critiques welcome.
-- Madhur
The government's Track Record in implementing a good educational policy has been very poor, the present need to revamp the educational system calls for urgency. But very little attention is being paid, we must stop relying on governments and individuals must take the initiative on your own, they must collaborate to make the educational system better.
ReplyDelete