On November 10, 2005, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating 2006 as the "Year of Study Abroad." The resolution, introduced by Senator Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), encourages initiatives to promote and expand study abroad opportunities. The resolution was co-sponsored by Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.), Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.).

The resolution cited a 2002 American Council on Education poll that stated 79% of people in the U.S. agree that students should a have a study abroad experience sometime during college, but only one percent actually study abroad each year. The Senate acknowledged the substantive evidence that study abroad does make an impact on a person’s academic and personal life. Because of this evidence, the Senate passed this resolution:

Resolved, That the Senate--

designates 2006 as the 'Year of Study Abroad';
encourages secondary schools, institutions of higher learning, businesses, and government programs to promote and expand study abroad opportunities; and
encourages the people of the United States to--

support initiatives to promote and expand study abroad opportunities; and
observe the 'Year of Study Abroad' with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and other activities.

Abroadco will be participating in activities in support of this resolution, including developing new programs for both high school and college students, to encourage increased participation in study abroad activities by U.S. students.