BEACHHEADS IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

Abstract

THE purpose of this paper is to identify the emerging main directions of innovation in international educa tion and the momentum and process dynamics behind those trends. Two years ago the international education field had a strong thrust and bright prospects. Unprecedented uni ty in perception encompassed area studies and foreign language components, diverse institutions, and various levels of education. Moreover, the stable support of the national security agencies was joined by fresh interest within the business community. The President's Com mission on Foreign Language and International Studies issued its widely heralded report, and the Council on Learning completed its Education and the World View project. A private National Council on Foreign Language and International Studies was established and began its work in New York. Congress authorized a new Title vi International Programs, which provided an in ternational dimension to the Higher Education Act. In creased appropriations seemed sure. Suddenly, however, the prospective blossoming seemed nipped in the bud. Federal budgets were cut, while most campus finances became pinched.