Assistant Secretary Ryan Discusses How English Provides “Access” to Highschoolers in Iksal
Channel: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
Date: 2014-10-21

A/S for Educational and Cultural Affairs Evan Ryan visited 12th grade Access program students in the Northern Arab village of Iksal. The students, who participate in the Embassy-sponsored English Access program exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/english-access-microsc... asked her about studying in the U.S.; discrimination as a woman during her career, and about the importance of the Access to the State Department. Ms. Ryan told an already convinced group that “English is critical, it is the language of the internet, and through English your doors will open wider and you will have many opportunities -- that is our hope for you.”. In response to the Assistant Secretary’s question on what she should bring back to President Obama, one student said that she recognizes Obama keeps the peace between Americans and Arabs all over the world. Ryan reminded them that if they work hard, people will notice, and it will pay off.