The Traveler

Issue date: 12/1/04 Section: Opinion

Ironically, in the years that have seen a decrease in exchange activism, it is quite arguable that the need for exchange programs and the experiences they offer students has skyrocketed. Rights groups and peace organizations banter and barter for a push in ethnic education and understanding. The news is flooded with stories of strained foreign relations and international misinterpretation. The need for first hand experience and relation of big issues toward young people is blatantly and bitingly obvious, but it is quite arguable that some of the extreme differences between Middle Eastern culture and certain modern American attitudes may not be fully grasped until fully experienced. It is in this climate and at this time of apparent need that suddenly an established program with a simple but effective aim is losing power, funding and function.

It is time to reevaluate how the problem of the lack in diversity is being treated. Might it take greater tax-incentive or a boost in advertising, a way to resurrect the exchange program should be addressed. There are few public service announcements, rock concerts, or after school specials that can push the social change that a simple personal relationship can convey.

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