**U.S. Senate Resolution Designates 2006 as Year of Study Abroad**

Senate Resolution 308

On November 10, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating 2006 as the "Year of Study Abroad." The resolution, introduced by Senator Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), encourages initiatives to promote and expand study abroad opportunities. The resolution was also co-sponsored by Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.), Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.).

The resolution:

1) Designates 2006 as the "Year of Study Abroad";

2) Encourages secondary schools, higher education institutions,
businesses, and government programs to promote and expand study abroad
opportunities; and

3) Encourages Americans to:

- support initiatives to promote and expand study abroad
opportunities

- observe the "Year of Study Abroad with appropriate ceremonies,
programs, and other activities.

posted 11/11/2005
 

From: NAFSA government relations