Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
May 13, 2014
The Transatlantic Friendship and Mobility Initiative: Promoting Increased U.S.-France Student and Scholar Exchange
The United States and France express their support for the Transatlantic Friendship and Mobility Initiative promoting
increased student and junior researcher mobility and exchanges.
This initiative aims to double the number of U.S students going to France and the number of French students coming to
the United States by 2025, and is endorsed by the Association of American Universities, the Association of Public and
Land Grant Universities, the Institute of International Education, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
The United States and France believe student mobility contributes to our strong alliance and is essential to expanding
global knowledge and economic growth. This initiative is underpinned by our two countries’ shared vision of academic
independence and freedom. It will promote access to study abroad for diverse student populations, foster increased
research collaboration between French and American institutions of higher education and research, and encourage
bilateral and multilateral partnerships to support student and faculty mobility.
The historic friendship between France and the United States is rooted in our shared values of freedom, democracy, human
rights, the protection of the environment, and responsible development. By capitalizing on the talent, innovation and
research capacity of France and the United States through the Friendship initiative, we reaffirm our common commitment
to increased economic growth, employment, and global competitiveness.
ENDS