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Beginnings
The Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS) is
one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the USA. FIUTS began shortly
after World War II in a time when triumph, innocence and altruism characterized
American international outreach. The goal of the founders of FIUTS was to promote
international peace and understanding by extending hospitality and other community
connections to international students.
FIUTS was incorporated as a non-profit organization on August 28, 1948. The
University of Washington provided an office and Dr. James M. Davis, Counselor
for International Service for the University, became the Foundation's first
Executive Director. At that time, there were 274 students from 37 nations enrolled
at the University. The introduction of FIUTS to the community took place at
the Seattle Art Museum, Sunday, January 20, 1949 at a Welcome Tea for international
students.
The founders were campus administrators, faculty and University District business
leaders: E. Lyle Goss, Arthur G. Barnett, Lulu M. Fairbanks, Dean S. Newhouse,
and Howard L. Nostrand. Other early leaders were Dr. Raymond B. Allen, Professor
J.F. Steiner and Frank Wright.
Middle Years
Over the next three decades, volunteer hosting by local households remained
the core of all FIUTS activities. Other programs included Friendship Tours
around Washington State, International Shows presented in Seattle and on the
road, Round Tables, newsletters, an annual Snow Party, International Student
Speaker Bureau, Women's Programs, the weekly Wednesday Lunch, Forums, International
Potlucks and Educational Outreach Programs for local schools.
FIUTS focuses on people meeting people across cultural and national differences.
Nevertheless, over the years, both international and American participants
have reflected the international realities of their times. The cold war emphasized
ideological differences. The Vietnam War era provoked anger and isolation.
Through it all, FIUTS volunteers and students reached out to each other engaging
in mutual global education. FIUTS American participants learned to work with
international students while also providing certain services for them, especially
hospitality. At times FIUTS has provided emergency help and administered the
awarding of scholarships, but the primary focus has been opportunities for
mutual interaction and enrichment.
Today
As FIUTS celebrates being 60 years old, there are over 4,000 students and scholars from
97 countries enrolled at the University of Washington. In addition, over 1,200
visiting faculty, researchers and scholars are currently on campus this year.
They and their Northwest hosts are living with a new sense of the globe. International
travel is easier and faster, Europe is working toward greater union, all economies
are involved in a global market place, people of all nations are more aware
of our ecological connections to the planet and all living beings, information
flows electronically more and more easily across continents, oceans and national
boundaries, local news quickly becomes international news as regional problems
become the focus of international attention.
FIUTS' people to people programs remain vital in the midst of these new global
currents. Students and scholars appreciate opportunities for new friends in
a new place. Northwest volunteers enjoy welcoming these visitors from other
countries and learning from them. Together, all participants grow by breaking
down stereotypes while learning about regional and cultural differences.
Current FIUTS programs include the Homestay and Friendship Connections,
Education Outreach Programs for Seattle school students and local elders, and Events & Activities.
The weekly Wednesday Lunch remains
the largest regular international gathering on the UW campus.
The founder's dream for FIUTS continues: the seeds of peace continue to be
sown among all people.
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