HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

250

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 


HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

expressing support for international education.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, the foundations of international education are:

 

(1)  The mobility of students and scholars who serve as cultural ambassadors between and among countries by participating in programs such as exchanges and study abroad;

 

(2)  A curriculum that teaches foreign languages, addresses global issues, and provides in-depth understanding of other cultures; and

 

(3)  Collaborative multi-national research that leads to new knowledge and technological breakthroughs;

 

and

 

     WHEREAS, with today's increasingly complex international trade relations, concern for the preservation of our global environment, and the constant goal of world peace, the promotion and support of international education becomes increasingly important to our national security, foreign policy, economic competitiveness, and capacity for tolerance; and

 

     WHEREAS, because tourism and foreign trade are key sectors of Hawaii's economic future, it is vital that this State promotes mutual understanding between the people of Hawaii and citizens of other countries through international education programs in a variety of settings, including public and private elementary and secondary schools; colleges, universities, and other proprietary academic institutions; and other educational and research organizations; and

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii enrolled over 6,000 international students at the post-secondary level alone during the 2005-2006 academic year but sends less than two percent of its local students abroad to study each year, while the most competitive U.S. educational institutions are increasing their targets to have 10 percent to 100 percent of their students engage in formal international study prior to graduation; and

 

     WHEREAS, international education enhances social and cultural diversity both in and out of the classroom, and contributes in excess of $110 million to the state economy each year; and

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii has historically welcomed immigrants who bring diverse talents and perspectives; and

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's educational institutions must continue to strengthen their capacity to provide necessary skills, knowledge, and training for new residents from abroad, while increasing opportunities for local students to acquire the linguistic and intercultural skills to interact effectively within the changing multicultural context of the state; and

 

     WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education have sponsored a nationwide International Education Week since 2000 to raise Americans' awareness of the importance of international education; and

 

WHEREAS, the Governor issued a proclamation on November 6, 2006, declaring the week of November 13 through 17, 2006, as International Education Week in Hawaii; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, that this body finds that international education is an essential component of Hawaii's future; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body supports and encourages international education to ensure that students and future leaders are prepared to meet the challenges of a global society; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body recognizes that the international students and scholars of this state contribute significantly to the cultural diversity of Hawaii's educational institutions and, through their representation, enhance the educational experience of all students while making important contributions, and this body therefore supports the participation of Hawaii's students, teachers, administrators, and educational policymakers in international studies and exchange programs, and other activities that advance intercultural awareness and promote mutual understanding and respect for the citizens of other countries; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body encourages colleges and universities to:

 

(1)  Develop and enhance courses of study to increase students' understanding of global issues and cultural differences;

 

(2)  Continue efforts to further develop courses in foreign languages to prepare students to seek careers in a global marketplace and enhance their understanding of the values of other nations;

 

(3)  Facilitate the presence of qualified students from other countries with sufficient geographic diversity to inspire an appreciation for differences among cultures and a deeper understanding of the values and perspectives of other people;

 

(4)  Facilitate scholarly exchanges and collaborative research partnerships with educational institutions in other countries;

 

(5)  Encourage educational institutions to recruit and retain excellent faculty to enable Hawaii's students to become competent global citizens;

 

(6)  Develop greater participation in education abroad programs by local students in all disciplines, especially underrepresented students who historically have not participated in such opportunities;

 

(7)  Support the efforts of educational institutions to provide opportunities for domestic and international students to interact effectively and routinely to share their views, perceptions, and experiences; and

 

(8)  Develop innovative public educational forums and venues to explore global issues and showcase world cultures;

 

and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaii State Legislature will consider these goals when creating laws that will impact international education efforts in the state; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chair of the Board of Regents, President of the University of Hawaii, Chair of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, and the respective executive directors of the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, and Hawaii State Teachers Association.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

International Education