"Global learning leads to a more engaged and welcoming United States, more responsive and participatory government, and a more secure and peaceful world."
The Center for International Programs advocates and supports the cultural, academic and economic benefits of internationalization, at local, state and federal levels.
Our advocacy is backed by statistics and well researched information, which is relevant and important, but ultimately, the students represent what we are advocating for - opportunity and cross-cultural experiences that bring people of the world a little closer together.
When students share their personal stories about why they study abroad and why they choose to study in the US, it helps to humanize the broad and sometimes elusive goal of global competency. It becomes evident that our shared experiences transcend borders and increases empathy and understanding, which leads to a more welcoming and peaceful world. International Education is an accessible and supported avenue to pursue these ideals.
How CIP Advocates for International Education
- Staying informed, and researching immigration information
- Submitting comments and reports to federal stakeholders
- Providing workshops and events to inform and support students
- Working with organizations like NAFSA
- Applying for and receiving grants for CIP staff and students to attend NAFSA Advocacy Day
How Students Can Help
Advocacy Day
An opportunity is offered each Spring semester in collaboration with and support from NAFSA (Association of International Educators) called Advocacy Day. This is a day when educators and students can speak out for students, scholars, and policies related to international education.
After a day of training and strategizing, students and their CIP staff representative head to Capitol Hill with the tools and information needed to educate Congress on how international education impacts each state and district and why we need a more globally engaged and welcoming United States. Personal meetings are scheduled for participants with their elected officials and/or their staff in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
You can read more by visiting the NAFSA Advocacy Day FAQs website, or by reading about the most recent trips sponsored by CIP (with the help of NAFSA grants) that were taken in 2018 and 2019 (below). CIP always takes one U.S. student and one international student to represent both sides of international education.
Advocacy Day 2018 | Advocacy Day 2019
Keep in touch with CIP
Another way to get involved is to simply keep in touch with our office! Read our emails, meet with us, and attend the various workshops and events that we host to stay informed.
Domestic students can also submit public comments to proposed federal regulations that affect international education as well as communicate with their representatives. For more information about how to do this and what to say, domestic students can contact international@newpaltz.edu or visit the NAFSA Take Action website.
