Thursday, December 24, 2009

Studying Abroad and the Post 9/11 GI Bill


Over the past few weeks there have been a few messages sent to SECUSS-L about veterans not being able to apply Post 9/11 GI Bill funds towards study abroad. Admittedly this was off my radar and I was happy to see the posts as I was able to learn more about this important issue. What helped me learn the most was a post from Daniel Obst, Director of Membership and Higher Education Services at the Institute of International Education (IIE), who provided the list a summary of what IIE has been doing in this area by forwarding a brief message on behalf of IIE’s President Allan Goodman. Here is a copy and paste of Goodman’s statement:

“After gaining the support of the Veterans Administration, IIE has been working with congressional representatives and legislative staff in both the Senate and House to ensure that veterans will have the opportunity to study abroad through the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. We have been advocating for a change in the language of the current Bill to simply redefine "fees," thereby allowing students to study abroad through the institution in which they are already enrolled.” [1]

I want to thank IIE for their efforts and leadership in this area and I encourage IHEC Blog readers who are in the United States to take a moment out of your day to send a quick message to your Senators and Congressional Representative. Additionally, take an additional moment to thank IIE for their work on this!!

[1]Statement obtained from December 3, 2009 SECUSS-L post entitled “DISC: Post 9/11 GI Bill and study abroad - Follow-up from IIE” sent by "Obst, Daniel" .

1 comment:

  1. Although the GI Bill has been in existence since World War II Veterans returned home, it has evolved through the years. The latest version of the GI Bill has added additional benefits to diminish the burden of the costs of a college education.

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