International Exchange Alumni Programs

As authorized by the Fulbright-Hays Act, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) designs and implements educational, professional, and cultural exchange and other programs that create and sustain the mutual understanding with other countries necessary to advancing United States foreign policy goals. ECA programs cultivate people-to-people ties among current and future global leaders that build enduring networks and personal relationships and promote U.S. national security and values. ECA programs foster engagement and encourage open dialogue with citizens around the world. Educational and cultural engagement is premised on the knowledge that mutual understanding, the development of future leaders, and the benefits of education programs influence societies and affect official decision-making almost everywhere in the world today. ECA programs inform, engage, and influence participants across strategic sectors of society, increasing the number of foreign individuals who have first-hand experience with Americans and with the values of freedom, representative government, rule of law, and economic choice, while building international knowledge and capacity among Americans. The purpose of International Exchange Alumni Programs is to advance U.S. foreign policy by building and maintaining relationships with current and future leaders, including Americans, who have participated in international exchanges. Alumni engagement is an integral component of the U.S. Department of State’s public diplomacy that generates maximum return on the U.S. government’s investment in exchange programs. Alumni programs aim to unite alumni communities around the globe and foster post-exchange opportunities through follow-on activities, virtual engagement, funding opportunities and resources, and regional programs.