http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2012-05-20T23:11:38+00:00 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program. The parents and siblings were members of their Chinese host families and the teachers are from their international high school, Beijing 80, known for its excellent academics and offering a unique cultural experience for its 3,000 students. The American students, who represent all corners of the United States, are perfecting their Mandarin skills, taking advantage of after school activities, living with host families, and learning about China's rich culture.

I was in Beijing to participate in the U.S.-China Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE), where education, culture, and youth were of particular focus, so it was especially meaningful for me to see this dynamic student-to-student exchange in action between the United States and China. The NSLI-Y students serve as American youth ambassadors, showcasing our values and culture to individuals who are often meeting Americans for the first time.

The students were eager to share their experiences and newfound perspectives with me on the past year. While enhancing their language skills, all of the students gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and traditions. One student commented that she felt more patriotic as a result of this experience, noting that it gave her an opportunity to reflect on the United States' diversity. Another student noted that it offered her the chance to see the United States through an international lens, gaining a better understanding of our strengths and also where we can follow the example of other countries. Having spent time with each of these students, it is apparent that this experience has had a tremendous impact on their lives. They are now global citizens and will forever carry this newfound insight with them in their future endeavors, building life-long friendship among future leaders of our countries.

More than 250 NSLI-Y students will study Mandarin in China this summer, and another 20 will spend the 2013-14 academic year in China.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/nsliy_china/ 2012-05-14T20:24:43+00:00 Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' (ECA) SportsUnited Division. These visitors, who coach predominately 8-16 year olds, are in the United States for 11 days to take part in basketball workshops with American athletes, participate in a Special Olympics clinic, and engage in activities focused on team building and youth development. The program also includes discussions on conflict resolution, sports fitness, and sports psychology. The group spent five days in Washington, D.C., where they had a "behind the scenes" tour of the Capitol, traveled to Mount St. Mary's University to observe a college basketball practice, and participated in a wheelchair basketball session. They are now in Orlando, Florida to attend coaching clinics and leadership sessions focused on the NBA All Star Weekend. They will also visit an American school and attend a session with the Boys and Girls Club of Orlando. As was described by The Hindu newspaper, this program shows that "the two nations (India and the United States) continue to score slam-dunks in terms of bilateral sport diplomacy."

In my conversation with the coaches, I explained that ECA bridges cultures and promotes understanding between the United States and other countries through a diverse range of exchange programs. Exchanges with youth, emerging leaders, academics, athletes, and the arts community, send Americans abroad and bring participants to the United States. International participants meet directly with Americans and experience American culture and values first-hand. I reminded our visiting group of coaches that it is equally important for them to share their background and culture with the Americans they meet. It is this mutual sharing of cultures, ideas, and practices that leads to a better understanding of our counterparts around the world.

Sports surmount cultural and language differences and unite people in the love of a good game. Through mutual appreciation and sportsmanship enduring friendships are built. We are thrilled to host this special group from India, visitors that have in only a few days created people-to-people relationships through sports.

The SportsUnited Division brings youth athletes and coaches to the United States as well as sends sports envoys to countries abroad. This is the second basketball exchange for India. Last year as Sports Envoys, NBA Hall of Famer George "The Iceman" Gervin and WNBA's Katie Smith traveled to Mumbai and New Delhi.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/india_basketball_coaches/ 2012-02-24T23:47:22+00:00