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World War II came to an end in 1945, bringing an end to six years of global devastation. Now, it was time to rebuild not only buildings and roads, but also the fractured relationships between nations and their citizens.
In 1946, U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas played a key role in creating legislation that aimed to promote mutual understanding and peaceful relations between the people of the United States and other countries.
The J. William Fulbright statue on the campus of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. (Lance King/Replay Photos via Getty Images)
The Fulbright Program, now known as the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program, has garnered strong bipartisan support and is dedicated to fostering mutual understanding.
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Having personally experienced the Fulbright Program as a grantee in Luxembourg, a country in Europe, I can attest to its transformative power and unique mission. My preconceived notions were challenged, and I formed lasting relationships built on trust.
Upon my return, I eagerly shared my learnings and reaffirmed my pride in being American. However, it is no secret that our country is currently more divided than ever, with dwindling pride in being American. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 39% of respondents expressed extreme pride in being American, and when focusing on 18-34-year-olds, that number dropped to a mere 18%.
Instead of viewing this data with despair, I see it as an opportunity – an opportunity to bridge the gaps in understanding and rebuild trust among fellow Americans.
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The root of the issue lies in our lack of exposure to the experiences of our fellow Americans who differ from us. We must expand our horizons beyond what is comfortable and familiar. Shockingly, one poll revealed that 11% of respondents had never traveled outside their birth state, and only 54% had visited 10 states or less.
The challenges faced by New Yorkers are vastly different from those faced by residents of Huntsville, Alabama. Most people in San Francisco have never experienced life in a rural town like Arthur, North Dakota, and vice versa.
This lack of firsthand knowledge leads to mental shortcuts of labeling others as ill-informed or even evil. It’s no surprise that we find ourselves in such a divided state. However, there is a solution.
Introducing a domestic exchange program, akin to the prestigious Fulbright Program but focused on short-term job exchanges after high school or college, can help break this harmful cycle.
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While such a program would not immediately solve the division within our country, it would begin the healing process and remind us of our commonalities. Similar to the Fulbright Program, not everyone would have the opportunity to participate, but those selected would return home to share their experiences, fostering mutual understanding and reminding us of our shared American identity.
Contrary to assumptions, this program wouldn’t require significant additional federal tax dollars. The participants would work full-time, contributing to local economies and earning their pay from businesses directly. The administrative and relocation fees could be funded through existing economic development funds at the state level or through public-private partnerships with diverse entrepreneurs who have lived the American Dream.
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Furthermore, this program provides a unique opportunity for endorsement and support from our political leaders, including former Presidents Donald J. Trump and Barack Obama.
Like the Fulbright Program, this innovative domestic exchange program would be an investment in our shared future when our country needs it the most. I firmly believe that America’s best days are not behind us.
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