Investment in international education is investment in Malawi’s future
Victor Kamanga graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in June 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS). His decision to major in EECS was motivated by the strong desire to return to Malawi and contribute to the country’s future. Victor gives a lot of credit to the United States Achievers Programme for having made it possible for him to attend such a school. The United States Achievers Programme provides opportunities every year to the best students in Malawi to get a scholarship to study in the US and then come back to help in the development of Malawi.
As one can learn from Victor’s story, the benefits of international education aren’t just educational. By giving students the tools they need to succeed after graduation, and by encouraging them to address global challenges, such an education can provide broad societal benefits stretching far into the future.
Last week, we celebrated International Education Week 2013, an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange programmes worldwide. International education builds and sustains a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world. International experiences connect students, scholars and emerging leaders around the world, enabling them to collaborate and tackle today’s challenges such as workforce development, climate change, and global health.
According to the Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange, a publication of the Institute of International Education (IIE), there were 258 Malawian students studying at different US colleges and universities in 2011/12.
International education helps to prepare students to succeed in the globalised 21st century workforce and supports strong economies around the world. Connecting countries through international education also helps to open markets and increase trade.
The United States and Malawi have a strong history of collaboration in higher education. Through the EducationUSA Advising Centre, many academically talented Malawian secondary school graduates have been awarded full, merit-based scholarships to study at some of America’s best colleges. The EducationUSA Advising Centre (www.educationusa.state.gov) promotes U.S. higher education for Malawi’s best students by providing the most accurate, comprehensive, impartial and timely information about study opportunities in the United States.
Other examples of the enduring academic bond between the US and Malawi are the Fulbright Scholarships, Usaid’s Malawi Scholarship Programme and the Usaid Initiative for Long–term Training and Capacity Building. Peace Corps also strives to improve education standards in Malawi through its Peace Corps volunteers who are teaching in various community day secondary schools and serving as teacher development facilitators to strengthen the skills and teaching practices of Malawian educators.
The relationships created during international education experiences last a lifetime. They develop an understanding of the values and perspectives held by the people of different countries, which graduates will carry with them for the rest of their lives. International education and exchange programmes enable students to learn new languages, experience different cultures and develop a broader knowledge of foreign governments and political issues. Exposing students to diverse languages and cultures will help equip them to address international issues and to work as partners to advance peace and prosperity. By improving global awareness among our citizens, international education and exchange programmes can contribute to our nations’ foreign policy, economic competitiveness and national security.
The US Government continues to welcome talented international students to the United States. International education is for everyone and offers a transformative and universally-relevant experience. It is probably the best investment you can make!
—The author is US Ambassador to Malawi
In the midst of all the self inflicted financial problems, its nice to hear one good tiding. I have always wondered why my reaction to public issues like cashgate, political party funding, democratic freedoms etc are very divergent from many fellow Malawians. Yes it is because of international education. I recognise that freeing public broadcaster in the west is a norm. I recognise the need for the right to reply when presidents say things demeaning to others. It is because of international education. My only cry (Cry Babe) is that we now have less scholarships than before. Yet the USA and Other established democracies are aware of the bigger influence such exchange programmes have on ethics, honesty and integrity.