We are proud to sponsor this year’s opening plenary featuring author and poet Sherman Alexie at the Forum on Education Abroad’s 13th annual conference.
Known for award-winning works such as The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, Alexie speaks to the truth of being a native American and living in the uncomfortable and yet liberating “in-between-ness” of his cultures. Through devastating wit, a powerful sense of irony and tremendous spirit, he gives voice to the struggle to be seen, to be heard and to be accepted on one’s own terms. And he reminds us that we do not have to leave the confines our own country to cross borders.
ISEP shares Alexie’s values of inclusion and community as well as the fundamental truth that any journey abroad begins with an exploration of home. Our study abroad model welcomes students into our community from all socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds as they explore their own “in-between-ness” of cultures.
We know the only way to confront the rising tide of nationalism, nativism and xenophobia in the U.S. and around the world is to remain steadfast in our commitment to collaboration, problem solving and partnership. By listening to and learning from one another, we explore our “in-between-ness” together and build a more peaceful, just and inclusive world.
John S. Lucas, Ph.D. President and CEO
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