" isn't it great that foriegn students can come here and study on our tax dollar yet American students must take out exhorbitant loans to study - is this a great country or what? "

" I purposely post before reading others' comments, so I first state my own feelings, without the influence of others' postings. So I'm thinking there might be those who say why do we as Americans subsidize a foreign student program, when we have American schools for Americans. But I'm remembering all the Fulbright scholars I've known, who studied in other countries. Many of our colleges offer, for those who can afford it, a semester of international study in a European country. Knowledge is that which helps better our world, no matter who subsidizes it, or who partakes of its programs, so I'm all for it, including broadening my own knowledge by reading, writing, watching newscasts and other educational programs, and observing life. "

" Fulbright is a great program, and very selective. UNL is lucky to be hosting this event for the best and brightest in the world. "

" I totally agree Nina. These programs expose people to other ideas, cultures, sensibilities etc...especially in the age of globalization we need people who understand how to communicate and understand foreign cultures. Whether it is Americans going abroad or foreign students coming here, both will take back to their countries a priceless bit of knowledge they could never have gained in their home nations. "

" It always blows me away how every article seems to be a chance for people to complain about how their taxes are spent. We have a chance to host some of the smartest kids in the world, but because they aren't 'Murkans, it has to be a problem. Do you have a problem with a far larger chunk of your tax dollars subsidizing Walmart? Subsidizing an unprovoked war? I just don't get Nebraskans at all. I am bummed out. "

" American students are hosted by foreign countries to study at their universities on their dime as well. The best known examples are the 100 or so Rhodes and Marshall new scholars each year who receive full rides for two years of graduate work courtesy a UK Foundation and the UK Parliment respectively. And foreign governments spend millions in out of state tuition fees to American state universities for their students to study here. So yes, it is just a great country. "

" Through another Fulbright program, Japan hosts several hundred US teachers for a two week stay each year -- at that government's expense. It's viewed as benefit to that country to have US teachers and students learn more about that country's culture and people. Why wouldn't we do the same? It's a much better way to spread the influence of democracy than other recent efforts this country has undertaken. "