Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2023

Bill 118 HR 4588, also known as the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2023, aims to expand opportunities for American college students to study abroad. The bill is named after the late Senator Paul Simon, who was a strong advocate for international education.

The main provisions of the bill include the establishment of a competitive grant program to support study abroad programs for undergraduate students. These grants will be awarded to institutions of higher education that demonstrate a commitment to increasing access to study abroad opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

Additionally, the bill seeks to prioritize funding for programs that focus on non-traditional study abroad destinations, languages, and cultures. This is intended to encourage students to explore regions of the world that are less commonly visited by American students. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to support students with financial need, including the establishment of a scholarship program for low-income students to help cover the costs of studying abroad. The bill also encourages institutions to provide academic credit for study abroad programs, ensuring that students can continue to progress towards their degrees while gaining valuable international experience. Overall, the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2023 aims to promote global awareness and understanding among American college students, while also increasing access to study abroad opportunities for students from all backgrounds.