[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        A TRIBUTE TO THE FLINDERS UNIVERSITY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2002

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to offer a tribute 
to Megan Wells and all the others who have contributed to the Flinders 
University Internship Program.
  The effects of the terrorist attacks on September 11th have resonated 
in the hearts and minds of every American from Maine to California. 
Half-way around the world in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, 
five of Australia's best and brightest young people were faced with a 
difficult decision. The question in Adelaide was simple enough. Would a 
group of five university students continue on with their plans to 
travel to Washington, DC to work in four congressional offices and a 
news organization as part of their American Studies degree? Fortunately 
for us all, the students answered with a resounding yes.
  Three years ago, the Flinders University of Australia inaugurated a 
Washington, DC internship program for top students within its American 
Studies Department. Most of the interns work in congressional offices--
making this program unique certainly for Australian universities and 
quite possibly for any university system not based in the United 
States. The program is directed in Washington, DC on volunteer basis by 
former congressional staffer, Eric Federing.
  Mr. Federing's work reflects the understanding that it is in our 
national interest for the future leaders of the world to understand how 
our Congress operates. This program is based on the idea of creating 
lasting bonds by ``putting good people with good people in good 
places'' for serious, intensive internships. And, as the Australians 
would say, to help bridge the ``tyranny of distance.''
  Since the beginning of January, I've had the pleasure to host Megan, 
who is completing her degree in International Studies. She has 
exhibited an excellent comprehension of travel and tourism issues and 
has played an active role in maintaining a link between the United 
States and Australia. She boosted our morale long before she arrived 
simply by wanting to venture half-a-world away. I am extremely grateful 
to her parents, Kerry and Peter Haysman, who have been willing to share 
their daughter Megan with the people of the 17th District of 
California.
  The Flinders University internship program hits upon a modest formula 
for successful international exchanges in large part due to the active 
support of both American and Australian governments. I have not been 
the only member so fortunate to have participated in this program. 
Toula Skiladas of Broken Hill in New South Wales has worked in the 
office of Senator Christopher Dodd; Miranda Ramsay of Unley, South 
Australia has assisted Representative Louise Slaughter and her staff; 
Rachel Mules of Penola, South Australia has joined my California 
colleague Loretta Sanchez; and Patrick Armitage of North Adelaide has 
helped explain Washington, DC to the school-aged audiences of Channel 
One News.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank everyone involved in creating and 
shepherding this internship program from its initial concept to the 
thriving institution it has become. They have done this nation and the 
Australian people numerous proud acts of public service, which I hope 
will continue for many years to come.

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