Benjamin Gilman: “I introduced H.R. 4528, the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, along with the gentleman from New York (Mr.…”

“I introduced H.R. 4528, the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, along with the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey) because we want to encourage undergraduate college students to study abroad. We believe, as many others do in the academic, exchange and business sectors, that Americans need to be prepared to operate in an international environment and economy. This preparation should start at a young age. It is the reason we wanted to assist college level low-income students to study abroad. One of the best ways to prepare young people for this global society is to allow them to experience life outside the United States. H.R. 4528 will do that by authorizing $1.5 million to be made available to the State Department for individual student grants of up to $5,000. These grants are targeted to assist lower-income students who otherwise would not be able to consider a study abroad program. These incentive grants are to be used to cover travel or other expenses related to studying overseas. The intention of the bill is to work within the existing college campus study abroad programs. These grants would allow colleges and universities to reach out to our low-income students that may not have been able to consider such studies because of the additional travel and living expenses. It expands the pool of students who will benefit personally and later professionally from internationally oriented education.”