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  • Sonenshine sworn in as new Under Secretary for PD & PA

    Image Credit: State Department photos by Michael Gross
    In her remarks delivered after she was sworn into office by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, new Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Tara Sonenshine highlighted the role of people-to-people relationships for U.S. diplomacy and national security.
  • Raise your voice for exchanges!

    Image Credit: Associated Press
    Write your Members of Congress today and urge them to support robust funding for Department of State exchange programs in FY2013.
  • Congressional letter supports robust funding for exchanges

    Image Credit: Alliance Exchange
    Led by Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia, 51 Members of Congress co-signed a letter to the House Appropriations Committee in support of robust funding for Department of State international exchange programs in FY 2013.
  • Clinton highlights value of exchange programs

    Image Credit: State Department photos by Michael Gross
    Secretary of State Hillary Clinton underlined the importance of people-to-people exchange programs in general and with Brazil in particular: "Educational exchange programs...will help us prepare the workforce to give our students the skills, experiences, and relationships that a global economy requires,” she said.

Policy Monitor

Lisa Heyn
Wed, 05/16/2012 - 09:23

In a recent interview on WGN Radio, Rajika Bhandari, the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Deputy Vice President of Research and Evaluation, and radio host Mike McConnell discussed the value study abroad adds to students’ resumes and agreed that overseas experience makes them more attractive to future employers.

McConnell recalled his own daughter’s personal experience:

Mark Overmann
Mon, 05/14/2012 - 15:41

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is expected to unveil legislation this week to address “demands from high-tech companies for a relaxation of restrictions on foreign graduate students and technicians,” CQ.com reports (subscribers only). Cornyn’s bill may draw from several bi-partisan measures that have already been proposed:

Mark Overmann
Mon, 05/14/2012 - 15:26

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced last week an expanded list of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) designated-degree programs that qualify eligible graduates on student visas for an optional practical training (OPT) extension, NAFSA: Association of International Educators reports.

"My U.S. involvement in community service paved my way for conducting and leading community service projects.”

The Alliance Exchange Voice - Giving Voice to the Power of Exchange

Global UGRAD Student Takes Community Service Spirit Home to Pakistan

While studying at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee, Global UGRAD-Pakistan student Sikandar became actively engaged in community improvement work, raising funds for the local Putnam County Habitat. Now, he is busy volunteering to help children with disabilities in his home community in Pakistan.

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