PRESS RELEASE

November 4, 2006

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Welcomes Ford Foundation International Fellowship Program Alumni

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Marine welcomed Ford Foundation International Fellows to his residence Friday evening to celebrate their successes and congratulate those who have returned to Vietnam after completing their academic programs abroad. 

Citing his own travels that have taken him to 44 of the country’s 64 cities and provinces, Ambassador Marine observed that 84% of the International Fellowship Program alumni came from the provinces, which made their contributions to their communities all the more significant and important.

The Ford Foundation launched the International Fellowships Program in 2000.  Over the last six years, IFP/ Vietnam has selected 129 Fellows for Masters and Ph D degrees. Of these, 47 have completed their studies. Eleven are pursuing further study abroad and 36 have returned to their communities throughout Vietnam. 

“You have traveled far and come back to Vietnam, where I am confident that your broad educational backgrounds and exposure to different systems and ideas will contribute to this country in ways we perhaps cannot even imagine today,” said Ambassador Marine to his guests, “and the future of Vietnam will be brighter because of your contributions.”

In May 2006 the Ford Foundation announced an increase in funding to the International Fellowships Program worldwide. The new $75 million grant will allow 900 additional Fellows to participate in the Program, further broadening access to advanced study for people from some of the world's poorest communities.

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