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

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.

The full text of the resolution (S.Res.308) is available through The Library of Congress website using the keyword search “Year of Study Abroad” or Bill Number S.R. 308.