WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week the presidents from five major American universities abroad will visit Washington, DC to promote additional federal support and recognition for U.S. higher education around the world.

Presidents David D. Arnold of The American University in Cairo, Peter Armacost of Forman Christian College (Pakistan), Christopher G.L. Hall of the American University in Kosovo, Joseph Jabbra of Lebanese American University, and Celeste Schenck of the American University in Paris will be visiting U.S. government agencies, higher education associations, and media outlets on Monday, October 26th and Tuesday, October 27th on behalf of Association of American International Colleges and Universities (AAICU), an organization that represents twenty-five American institutions of higher learning operating outside of the United States. AAICU, which is currently headed by American University in Cairo president David Arnold, was founded in 1971. Conditions for full membership to AAICU include institutional autonomy, an independent board of trustees and accreditation by a major recognized U.S. accrediting authority.

AAICU member institutions educate thousands of students in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa and also offer opportunities for American students to receive valuable cross-cultural experiences through education abroad. AAICU institutions have strong roots in their respective host countries and typically enjoy wide recognition in their international settings. The presidents assert that the unique position of AAICU's member institutions makes them ideal for bridging cultures and nations within the framework of the American liberal arts tradition.

SOURCE Association of American International Colleges and Universities