Cultural Exchange Brings International Soccer Players to U.S.

June 13, 2011

As part of the initiative to promote cultural exchange, the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ SportsUnited Office will be hosting 18 girls and six coaches. These participants are from a number of countries and will be in the U.S. from May 31 to June 10 in both Washington, D.C. and New York City. Specifically, the participants will come from South Africa, Germany, the Palestinian Territories, Bolivia, Malaysia and Pakistan.

According to a release from the U.S. Department of State, the cultural exchange is being held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Title IX, which aims to provide chances for men and women to excel in the classroom and on the playing fields, and in anticipation of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

During the past year, the U.S. DOS has been focusing heavily on women’s concerns under Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Understanding the importance of cultural exchange, Secretary Clinton launched the “100 Women Initiative: Empowering Women and Girls through International Exchanges”

“I am so excited to see all of you and to have this opportunity to participate in the first-ever Empowering Women and Girls through International Exchanges,” Clinton said during an address to program participants in March. “This is especially important for me because I believe strongly that every person – man and woman, boy and girl – has a God-given right to participate and to go as far as his or her hard work and talents will take them.”

Specifically, the current soccer exchange will see the participants play soccer with youths around America and those on both sides will likely gain a greater understanding of other cultures through their interactions with each other, both on and off the field.

The international contingent will also meet with community leaders who provide athletic opportunities for children with disabilities.

Sports programs are just one way that young people can engage in cultural exchange. Designated organizations in the U.S. facilitate a variety of opportunities for work and travel as well. All of these programs can benefit both U.S.-based and international young people by building their confidence through the new challenges they’ll overcome and opportunities to learn about different approaches to situations.