Welcome to the Knowledge Exchange Institute’s (KEI) April 2006 on-line newsletter!  (for students, current KEI participants abroad, program alumni, and others with an interest in studying abroad).

In this month’s issue: 

• KEI Updates: Summer Application Deadline - EXTENDED
• Featured Programs: China, Kenya, Spain, Ireland, Belgium
• In the News: The United States Wants More Students to Study Abroad
• International Trivia Question

KEI Updates: Application Deadlines- EXTENDED 

KEI is still accepting applications for Summer 2006 programs in  Belgium, China, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Spain and Thailand. Late applications will be accepted until the programs are filled. 

The application deadline for Fall 2006 programs is June 20. We suggest that you apply early to reserve space in the program. 

Application forms and information can be found on the KEI website at www.KEIabroad.org or by calling our New York City office at 1-800-831-5095.

Featured Programs

China: Beijing  

Beijing is one of the largest and fastest growing cities in Asia, undergoing rapid modernization against the backdrop of 3,000 years of rich history.  Beijing is China's political and economic capital, making it an excellent environment to study China's economic and market forces, entry in to the WTO, international relations, and the political and legal structures. KEI's programs in Beijing offer courses (taught in ENGLISH) that focus on China's economic, business and political development as well as intensive Mandarin language courses. Professional internships are also available.

Kenya: African Safari Program

The African Safari Program takes advantage of Kenya's natural resources and abundant wildlife to teach courses on wildlife management, preservation and environmental ethics.  Courses are taught by professors from the United States International University. This program uses the unique combination of formal classroom instruction with safaris to provide students with hands-on experiences of the academic material.  Possible safari destinations are Lake Victoria and Victoria Falls, Great Rift Valley, Nairobi National Park, Masai Mara Game Reserve, and Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro     

Spain: Barcelona
Barcelona's is one of the most dynamic cities in the Mediterranean, the political capital of the Catalonia region of Spain, and the financial center of the country.  With its ideal location between the mountains and the sea and the balmy-year round climate, Barcelona draws a large number of tourists, but is also home to about 5 million people in the Metropolitan area.  KEI offers two programs in Barcelona. The Spanish Business, Law & Diplomacy program emphasizes courses in business management, marketing, finance, economics, public relations, European affairs and legal studies.  The Spanish Tourism and Hospitality Management emphasizes courses in international travel and tourism, hospitality and hotel management and food and beverage management.

Belgium: Brussels & Antwerp
Belgium is at the geographical center of Europe, and serves as the political and economical capital of the European Union.  A perfect location for studying European business and international relations. KEI programs offer both courses and internships in business, marketing, finance, communications, public relations, commerce law, information systems, and European languages (French, Dutch and German).

Ireland: Dublin 
Dublin is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city with all the amenities of a large metropolitan area while retaining its friendly, small town atmosphere. KEI programs in Dublin offer a wide selection of courses and internships in Business, Law, Computing, Design, Journalism, and Media Communications. Ireland boasts one of the most dynamic economies in Europe.  

More info at www.KEIabroad.org. 

In the News: Panel Wants More Students to Study Abroad

Below is an excerpt from an article written by David Brummer of the AP describing how the United States Federal Government wants more college students to study abroad.

CHICAGO -- A bipartisan federal commission is pushing for a dramatic increase in the number of U.S. college and university students taking classes in other countries.

In a study being released Monday, the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program is proposing hundreds of millions in federal spending to place 1 million U.S. undergraduates in schools overseas by 2017.

The panel wants Congress to commit $50 million annually starting next year, with nearly 90 percent of the money to be spent on grants and fellowships and distributed by national competitions and by schools. Schools would be required to sustain enrollment in study abroad programs to stay eligible for federal funds.

The complete article can be found at  http://www.newsday.com

International Trivia Question
KEI's monthly on-line newsletter features a trivia question related to international issues.

QUESTION:  Which African country is considered to be the birthplace of humans?

[The first 2 people who e-mail KEI with the correct answer will win a money belt. When submitting your answer, please include your mailing address, email and telephone number.]