“Exchanges are a quintessentially American form of diplomacy that, if confirmed, I would hope to increase, to amplify, and to sustain in a lasting and meaningful way,” Ann Stock, nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, said during her confirmation hearing yesterday afternoon. Appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Stock noted her previous professional involvement with exchanges (especially leading cultural and artistic exchanges while at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) and expressed her belief in the importance of committing to “an effort—a sustained effort—to find common ground”:

“All sectors of American society and government are focused on this profound challenge and I believe exchanges are a key element. In exchanges, we rely on and engage our single greatest asset—the American citizen.”

Stock also outlined her priorities for ECA in her prepared remarks:

“If confirmed, I will sustain and build on the Bureau’s extraordinary record to address the challenges of today and to advance the priorities of this Administration, including but not limited to increasing opportunities for women and girls.

“I also plan to expand the reach and effectiveness of the Bureau’s English language programs, a key priority for Secretary Clinton. “I believe the following are essential strategic directions for ECA:

• “Focusing on youth, especially the underserved;
• “Expanding educational opportunities, including through the flagship Fulbright program;
• “Enhancing cultural exchanges;
• “Leveraging new media to amplify ECA’s programs; and,
• “Sustaining and nurturing long-term relationships with alumni to continue the positive impact from these programs.”

Stock further clarified her priorities to Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-DE), who chaired the hearing, during the question and answer session, noting her primary focus as Assistant Secretary would be on English language teaching and training; youth exchanges, especially management and oversight; and leveraging new media to support exchanges.

In response to a question from Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) regarding the need to send American students to less traditional study abroad destinations, Stock said ECA is always looking for ways to expand study abroad opportunities for Americans, as well as to increase the number of countries to which American students go, so she “welcomes the opportunity” to work with the Senate on this issue.

Download the full text of Stock’s confirmation hearing testimony on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website.