U.S. Education Needs Global Emphasis, Head Of International Institute Says

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Some 70 percent of the nation's college students cannot find Iran, Iraq, Israel or Indonesia on a map, and this lack of knowledge hampers America's ability to respond in a global environment, according to Dr. Allan Goodman, president of the Institute of International Education.

Goodman, who delivered the annual Borromean lecture at St. Charles Preparatory School, said foreign language learning is at the lowest level in U.S. history and last year Harvard graduated more students with a degree in film studies than majored in Arabic nationwide.

He cited a report by the Council on Foreign Relations that concluded, "America's failure to learn strategic languages, coupled with a lack of formal instruction about the history and cultures of the rest of the world, limits U.S. citizens' global awareness, cross-cultural competence, and ability to assess situations and respond appropriately in an increasingly interconnected world."

He encouraged the students of St. Charles to get their passports and consider studying abroad.

"While in college, 90 percent of your counterparts will not study abroad," Goodman said. "If you choose the path less taken, it will change your lives …. It will certainly change those whom you encounter – and in the process make the world we share a less dangerous place."

Goodman is the sixth president of the IIE, the leading not-for-profit organization in the international educational exchange. It administers the Fulbright program sponsored by the Department of State as well as more than 250 corporate, government and privately sponsored programs. The Institute also rescues scholars threatened by war, terrorism and repression.

The Borromean Lecture series was established in 2000 through the initiative of alumnus, Robert Dilenschneider, author and founder of The Dilenschneider Group, a strategic communications firm.

Previous speakers have included Michael Novak, former U.S. Ambassador; Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J.; Joel Klein, former Chancellor of New York City Schools; and William McGurn, Vice President of News Corporation.

Founded in 1923, St. Charles Preparatory School provides a "complete, thorough and sound classical training" based on Gospel values.

Enrolling 635 boys in grades 9-12, the school offers a college preparatory program as well as advanced placement courses and accommodations for those with learning disabilities. St. Charles is owned and operated by the Diocese of Columbus.

SOURCE St. Charles Preparatory School