# Plain Language Summary: Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act

This bill updates federal funding programs that support international education and foreign language learning in American colleges and universities. The main goal is to strengthen how the country teaches languages and international studies, while also figuring out whether these programs are actually working and meeting what employers and the government need.

The bill makes several practical changes. First, it expands what counts as eligible coursework in international education programs—now students can get credit for studying foreign languages that relate to their area of focus, not just the traditional area studies. Second, it creates a new research and innovation program that funds colleges, universities, libraries, and nonprofit organizations to study the current state of international education in America. This includes figuring out how many foreign language courses exist, how many teachers we have, what jobs need these skills, and whether graduates are actually using what they learned. The bill also funds projects that try new approaches—like using technology to share language courses between colleges that don't have enough students to offer them alone, or helping community colleges and minority-serving institutions develop stronger international programs.

The bill requires organizations receiving federal grants to contribute their own money too (at least one-third of the project cost), though colleges serving minority students or community colleges can ask for this requirement to be reduced. It also establishes a national database and website where people can find information about international education programs and results, plus requires a report to Congress every five years about what's working and what gaps exist. Overall, this bill treats international education like an important national priority and tries to make sure we're investing wisely in programs that actually produce graduates with the skills America needs.

Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act

Price, David E.

Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and otherwise revises international education programs. These programs provide grants to institutions of higher education and related entities to (1) enhance instruction in international and foreign language studies, and (2) promote international business skills and education. First, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international and foreign language studies. Specifically, it extends (1) the Graduate and Undergraduate Language and Area Centers and Programs, which include the National Resource Centers program; (2) the Language Resource Centers; (3) the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Programs; and (4) the American Overseas Research Centers. Next, the bill revises the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships program to permit graduate students to receive a stipend for the beginning, intermediate, or advanced study of a foreign language related to the student's area of specialization. Further, the bill replaces the existing Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign Information Access program with an international research and innovation program. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international business skills and education. Specifically, it reauthorizes the Centers for International Business Education program. It also reauthorizes the Education and Training program and otherwise makes changes to the program, including by (1) renaming the program; and (2) mandating certain program activities, such as&nbsp;the incorporation of&nbsp;specified programs and studies into professional education and technical training curricula. Finally, the bill permits the Department of Education to prioritize grant applications from minority-serving institutions.