Causes and prevention of the decline of professional competencies acquired in American institutions of higher education by foreign-trained, Third World scholars and professionals and soon lost upon their return to their home countries are addressed. The context of this problem is described for three countries that were selected as examples: Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey. Manifestations and characteristics of intellectual and professional "decay" are considered, including declining productivity and loss of morale. Causes of decay may be linked to inadequate compensation and support services, loss of facility in the use of English, the social and political context of developing countries, and economic recession. Efforts to maintain professional competencies (e.g., retraining and renewal) in these countries are identified, along with similar programs based in the United States and involving persons from the developing world. Descriptions are provided of programs in each country: Mexico (4), Indonesia (5), Turkey (3), and the United States (5). To prevent decay, 14 recommended policies and practices for the Third World and 8 recommendations for the developed world are presented. For the Third World, these suggestions include: information and advice, payment of competitive rates of return, rewards for accomplishment, sustained support over the economic cycle, and involvement in national development. (SW)