Policy Monitor

Former Ambassador to S. Korea designated as Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy
Mark Overmann
Mon, 02/06/2012 - 17:34

Former Ambassador to South Korea Kathleen Stephens has been designated as “the Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs pending the Senate’s confirmation of the President’s nominee, Tara Sonenshine,” MountainRunner reports. Ambassador Stephens began her work in this role today. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Ann Stock had previously been in the role of Acting Under Secretary since July 8, 2011.

Policy Monitor Weekly Digest, January 30 – February 3
Lisa Heyn
Fri, 02/03/2012 - 16:40

► Reacting to a recent New York Times article by Harvard University President Lawrence Summer, a variety of voices discussed in the Times whether learning another language is necessary or useful.

Federal Register since 01/27/12
Martina Erber
Fri, 02/03/2012 - 11:15

Below please find the listing of Federal Register announcements issued by the U.S. Departments of State, Education, and Homeland Security, and USAID since 01/27/12.

Engaging the world benefits U.S. national security, President Obama says
Mark Overmann
Fri, 02/03/2012 - 11:09

President Obama reiterated the importance of U.S. engagement with the world and the international affairs budget on Monday during a Google+ “Hangout” and broadcast live on Youtube, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition reported.

NYT: ECA revokes designation, plans new regulations
Mark Overmann
Thu, 02/02/2012 - 10:04

The New York Times reports that the Department of State has removed the Council for Educational Travel, USA (CETUSA) as a designated sponsor of the Summer Work Travel program. The article also provides some detail on the Department’s upcoming rulemaking for the SWT program:

NYT debate: English is global, so why learn another language?
Mark Overmann
Mon, 01/30/2012 - 12:38

Reacting to former Harvard University President Lawrence Summer’s assertion that “English’s emergence as the global language…make it less clear that the substantial investment necessary to speak a foreign tongue is universally worthwhile,” a variety of voices take to the New York Times to debate whether learning another language is necessary or useful.

Policy Monitor Weekly Digest, January 23 – 27
Lisa Heyn
Fri, 01/27/2012 - 16:49

► The registration deadline for Advocacy Day is today, so go online and register now: http://www.alliance-exchange.org/policy-monitor/01/10/2012/register-now-our-2012-advocacy-day-and-raise-your-voice-international-exch.
If your organization still wants to register staff members after today, please just let us know by emailing Lisa at lheyn@alliance-exchange.org.

Federal Register since 01/20/12
Martina Erber
Fri, 01/27/2012 - 11:35

Below please find the listing of Federal Register announcements issued by the U.S. Departments of State, Education, and Homeland Security, and USAID since 01/20/12.

Lynne Weil named Director of Communications and External Affairs at BBG
Mark Overmann
Thu, 01/26/2012 - 11:03

Lynne Weil has been named Director of Communications and External Affairs of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), according to a BBG press release. Ms. Weil will act as the Board’s primary strategist on communications and outreach activities, and as the Board’s chief advisor for Congressional and external affairs.

Rick Steves: Study abroad is a “vital investment” for American students
Mark Overmann
Thu, 01/26/2012 - 10:29

Travel writer Rick Steves recently penned an op-ed in USA Today, sharing his belief that study abroad is not a “luxury” for American students, but rather a “necessity”:

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