Evening star., 1947-05-11


torically important fact that some
in American schools, perhaps twice
More are entering this country at
Is apparent especially to
the veterans OF Army, Navy and
Once Of Strategic Services who are
employed in the State Departments
Division Of international Exchange
Of Persons. What they have seen
abroad has convinced them that
education is potentially the most
effective means to lasting peace.
U. S. Cultural Center.
Oliver J. Caldwell acting assistant
chief of the division, commented
that "at no time in history has one
Nation been the cultural world
capital as the United States is now.
The influx of students is beyond
parallel and is one Of the most
historical events Of our
times
He pointed out that many Of the
European universities either were
destroyed in the war or are years
behind. Many educators feel
America has 9 genuine obligation to
share its facilities with the world
and a number OF schools, particular
ly State universities such as Utah
and Michigan, are welcoming for-i
eign students. The State of WASH
ington Is awarding so scholarships
annually.
A year ago representatives of $50
American universities and colleges,
meeting in Chicago. adopted this
resolution:
"a Rare Opportunity"
''That the conference, taking into
account the crisis of mankind,
purges the colleges and universities
of the United States to accept In
larger numbers than heretofore stu
dents from the war-torn and oc-
cupied countries Of the world and
from other lands that have COM
pelling need of the educational aid
Of this country; that the confer
ence believes that American educa-
ton, confronting this international
need, faces a rare opportunity to
forward understanding, friendship
and peace among the nations Of
the world, and that the conference
further believes that a grave re-
sponsibility rests upon the colleges
and universities in terms Of contri-
buttons both to other peoples and
to the humane and understanding
spirit of the American people to
draw generously upon its resources
in promoting the international flow
of students for united world"
Educators say that universities
overcrowded now with student vet
erans are in a position to accept
foreign students because most of the
latter are either graduate students
or are interested in less-crowded
fields. Many, for example, are
studying agriculture and forestry.
Transportation Problem.
One of the principal barriers hold
ing back foreign students seeking
admission to American institutions
is the lack of transportation. BY
the time American students can take
advantage of the Fulbright Act,
which may be a year or more, trans
portation may be more readily
available.
Implementation of the act, which
was passed by the last Congress,
has been delayed by sales of surplus
property, organizational work and
the fact that in most cases 1t would
be necessary for an American stu
dent to know by June of any year
whether he would receive fellow
ship for the next term. There was
little hope for activity before this
June. It now is hoped to have
application blanks ready by Novem-
ber so that the first large groups Of
fellowships may be awarded next
spring. It is possible few teachers
may be sent out this September.
Chinese Agreement Due.
The first step in setting up an
to handle the applica-
tions will be appointment by Presi-
dent Truman of 10-member board
of foreign scholarships, composed
of representatives Of cultural. edu-
cational, student and war veteran
groups and of the United States
Office of Education, the Veterans
Administration, state educational
institutions and privately endowed
institutions.
Signing of agreements with for
eign countries should be under way
soon. An agreement with China Is
soon. Probably a founda-
ton will be set up In each country
to handle funds and to recommend
schools. The United States Is likely
to have a representative on each
foundation.
The Fulbright Act provides for
Of transportation, tuition
and maintenance to American stu
dents and teachers in foreign schools
and to foreign students in American
schools outside the continental
United States and Territories, and
for payment Of transportation costs
to foreign students coming to Amer
lean schools.
Vets Gets Preference.
The practical effect OF these pro-
visions is limited by the requirement
that only foreign currencies be ex-
pended. As an example, Chinese
dollars are worthless In the United
States. They are not acceptable to
American shipping lines. A Chinese
student wishing to come here would
have to obtain American exchange;
an American going to China would
have to pay his own passage.
The act provides that preference