#CelebrateExchangeDay on August 7th!

We are excited to announce that this year, we will celebrate Exchange Day on Monday, August 7. Since its creation in 2014, Exchange Day has provided our community an opportunity to gather and share the power of exchange programs as we come together over food, community service, and some fun!

The goal of Exchange Day is to increase awareness of the importance of educational and cultural exchange programs. Below are a variety of ways you as an individual or your organization can #CelebrateExchangeDay on August 7 and on the days leading up to it. For more details, visit our Exchange Day 2023 website at https://exchangeday2023.weebly.com/.

We hope you'll join us in sharing the power of exchange programs on August 7 and encourage your partners and community stakeholders to get involved as well! The more voices amplifying the different ways in which exchange programs support U.S. national security, strengthen the U.S. economy, and increase mutual understanding, the more powerful our message and impact is.

U.S. and China discuss increased people-to-people exchanges during Blinken visit

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s diplomatic meetings in China this past weekend included high-level discussions of international educational and exchange ties between the two countries. In his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, the two “stressed the need for the two countries to improve people-to-people contacts that Qin said should include educational exchanges and an expansion of passenger flights between the two countries,” according to Politico.  

In its daily Headlines podcast, the New York Times specifically called out the discussion of increasing exchanges as a key point of progress. Secretary Blinken himself tweeted that he met with Chinese alumni of U.S. exchange programs and that the two countries “share rich history of people-to-people exchanges, and these programs continue to play a vital role.” 

These discussions come at a critical time, not just for overarching U.S.-China relations, but also during a relative decrease in the amount of exchange activity between the two countries. China has long been the top country of origin of international students in the U.S., but that preeminent position has declined somewhat in recent years. Some of the decline is certainly due to pandemic era restrictions, but it is no longer a given that the number of Chinese students coming to the U.S. will increase year after year.   

The number of American students studying in China is at a stark low. Speaking at the recent USGLC Global Impact Forum, U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns noted that only 350 Americans are currently studying in China – again, a pandemic era decline, but still a precipitous one from the 11,600 studying there in 2018-19 that has not begun a serious recovery. Burns noted that increasing exchange and study abroad programs between the U.S. and China is a priority for him. It’s heartening to see this priority reflected in the Secretary’s high-level talks. 

Elizabeth Allen confirmed as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs

Yesterday, Elizabeth Allen was confirmed with bipartisan support by the U.S. Senate as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. In her new role, Allen will oversee the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA).

In her testimony to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations earlier this year, Allen emphasized the benefits of people-to-people diplomacy on the U.S.: “Public diplomacy benefits us here at home as well.  International students added $32 billion to the U.S. economy last year, and American exchange program participants are returning with marketable skills that make them more competitive for 21st-century jobs.  International visitors on our programs engage communities across our country, while the Gilman Scholarship helps underserved Americans study abroad.  And if confirmed, I want to better communicate the benefits of foreign policy to our fellow Americans – who deserve to know what the U.S. government is doing around the world, day in and day out, in their interest.”

Allen’s confirmation is welcome news for our community, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with ECA and GPA under her leadership.

Reflections from #NAFSA75

What do you get when you put 8,500 international educators and community stakeholders in a room? A week of reflection, learning, and community building at NAFSA 2023! As a first-time attendee, I was equal parts overwhelmed and inspired by the breadth and depth of opportunities to think deeply about the work we do and its impact on fostering mutual understanding worldwide. As Secretary of State Blinken summarized so perfectly in his opening remarks: “International students share their talents and cultures with their new communities – and bring what they learned abroad back home. Exchanges can create lifelong friendships, spark artistic creativity, and fuel collaboration on groundbreaking research.” Blinken reaffirmed the Department of State's commitment to streamlining and prioritizing US study visas and creating inclusive and accessible study abroad opportunities, a welcome message as international education faces unprecedented threats throughout the country.

As we celebrated our successes throughout the week, we were also pushed to think critically about what the future of international education looks like. NAFSA’s updated issue brief on a national strategy for international education speaks to the need for the United States to “increase its efforts to attract and retain the world’s best and brightest and ensure domestic students have access to opportunities that keep them competitive and equipped to collaborate across borders” in order to advance American foreign policy, diplomacy, innovation, national security, economic growth, and global competitiveness. Sessions led by SIOs, government officials, and other thought leaders proposed a variety of paths forward and reinforced just how important international education is to our shared future.

With so much to do and see over the course of five days, it is difficult for me to identify a single highlight or takeaway from #NAFSA75. That being said, as a young professional, I was heartened to see so many conversations with individuals in varying stages of their career about the importance of professional development, mentorship, and fostering the next generation of international education leaders. The creation of these safe spaces to discuss what it means to be an international educator and how everyone in the field is constantly learning and growing in their role is incredibly powerful.

Read on for more takeaways and key policy and regulatory updates shared during the week. For more insights from a NAFSA newcomer, I encourage you to check out Karin Fischer’s most recent Latitudes.

• Mark and Andrea joined Carl Herrin of Worcester State University and Rachel Banks of NAFSA for an engaging panel on current Hill dynamics and their impact on the exchange program budget and international student and study abroad policy changes.

• Mark attended NAFSA’s Hill Breakfast where Senator Dick Durbin pledged his commitment to passing the Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act this Congress.

• The Department of Commerce announced that, for the first time, international education will be included as a priority in the forthcoming iteration of the U.S. national export strategy.

• The Bureau of Consular Affairs is on track to issue 35% more international student visas this year than in 2019. This record-breaking statistic is the highest number of international student visas issued in nearly a decade. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services Julie Stufft also shared the Bureau's goal of ensuring no student misses a program because of administrative processing.

Reps. Moore and Kuster support BridgeUSA in House Resolution

Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Annie Kuster (D-NH) reintroduced a House Resolution yesterday supporting Department of State BridgeUSA exchange programs. Supported by more than 400 organizations, associations, and businesses, the resolution recognizes international exchange as an invaluable public diplomacy tool, as well as a way to strengthen American business and our economy. 

The Alliance is so grateful to Reps. Moore and Kuster, as well as original co-sponsor Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), for their strong support of Department of State international exchange programs. BridgeUSA exchanges are an undeniable win-win for the U.S., which is why they continue to have broad bipartisan support. 

“These work and study exchange programs have opened up amazing opportunities and experiences in America for hundreds of thousands of foreigners while also supplementing our workforce and supporting our businesses,” Rep. Moore said in a statement announcing the introduction of the resolution. 

BridgeUSA programs bolster our national security and foreign policy by creating lasting relationships with students and young leaders from around the world. “The work-and study-based exchange visa program attracts foreign visitors, students, and workers to our state and strengthens cultural understanding,” said Rep. Kuster. Throughout their programs, participants develop a more positive view of the U.S. and maintain friendships with Americans for years to come. Their connection with the U.S. persists as they become leaders in their home countries, supporting U.S. diplomatic efforts worldwide. There’s no doubt that the relationships and improved impressions that participants develop strengthen our national security. 

BridgeUSA programs pack a powerful punch when it comes to economic value, contributing more than $1.2 billion to the U.S. economy each year. These programs support American businesses, camps, universities, and families. A majority of host companies and camps report that their businesses would be negatively impacted without access to BridgeUSA programs.  

“We must invest in the BridgeUSA program to bolster our economy and enrich our communities for years to come. I am proud to join with my colleagues from across the aisle to ensure that is the case,” said Rep. Kuster. 

Rep. Moore added, “States like Utah that rely on a seasonal workforce to fuel local tourism need programs like these to ensure economic growth, and I am thrilled to once again lead this Resolution with my colleague Representative Kuster.” 

Each year, approximately 300,000 international students and young people from 200 countries and territories travel to the U.S. to participate in BridgeUSA exchange programs. Originally created alongside Peace Corps and U.S. Agency for International Development during the Cold War, these programs continue to serve the diplomatic mission they were first intended to promote – to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries.  

Reflections from the Future: Angela Zheng, Global Ties U.S.

As a young professional who recently finished my graduate degree in international affairs, my encounter with the international exchange field was a pleasant surprise. My studies made a career path in foreign policy feel like a scramble to climb Mount Everest to squint down 30,000 feet above the ground. My internship at Global Ties U.S. introduced me to citizen diplomacy and international exchanges, which focus on building people-to-people relationships to connect individuals across borders. This field built on handshakes and homestays has been incredibly warm and welcoming, and afforded me real professional growth opportunities.

I love international exchanges because they are a wonderful vehicle for making foreign policy accessible and relatable for local U.S. communities and engage a far broader audience than government alone. Exchanges matter because the authentic connections individuals form with visitors over Taco Tuesday and Fourth of July barbecues can have a far deeper impact than any book, documentary, or briefing alone, and foster lasting networks between people within the United States and across the world. Exchanges offer an invaluable opportunity to showcase the diverse tapestry of the United States and its values to the world.

At Global Ties U.S., I help support advocacy activities for the Global Ties Network as part of my portfolio. At first, I was intimidated and anxious because I knew just how important advocacy is for continued funding for government sponsored exchanges. Capitol Hill seemed like an unapproachable place snapped straight from a history textbook or a news segment off the television, somewhere far too storied for me to contribute meaningful ideas. After I attended the Alliance trainings and went to my first Advocacy Day on the Hill, I learned that advocacy is actually just like exchange and communications. Advocacy is a storytelling opportunity to form a connection during a meeting. It is just like what I do every day.

Angela was first exposed to international exchange as a Gilman Critical Language scholar in 2019. That interest blossomed she learned more about public and citizen diplomacy during her internship with Global Ties U.S. in 2022. She first learned about the Alliance as part of her advocacy onboarding training in 2022 and had her first in-person interaction at the Alliance Annual Conference. It was eye-opening to meet with representatives from such a wide spectrum of international exchange organizations.

Reflections from the Future: Jacob Gandolfi, FHI 360

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Jacob Gandolfi reflects on what the next 30 years of our field will look like and how we can continue to grow as a community.

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International Education by the Numbers: 2022 SEVP Data shows programs in recovery

With each new year comes new data on the state of international education and exchange programs. The information coming out of reports such as IIE’s Open Doors and NAFSA’s Economic Value Statistics indicate pre-pandemic level numbers are either here or on the horizon. The data from The Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s (SEVP) 2022 SEVIS by the Numbers corroborates this story.  

The report shows that SEVIS recorded 276,723 active J-1 exchange visitors in 2022, an increase of 15% from the previous year’s figure of 240,479. While 2019’s SEVIS-recorded number (532,711) is almost twice as large as 2022’s, the increase from 2021 to 2022 shows clear program recovery. On the F-1 and M-1 front, SEVIS recorded 1,523,758 active students throughout the 2019 calendar year. 1,362,157, the number of F-1 and M-1 students recorded in 2022, is only a 10.6 percent decrease from 2019 and is a 10.1 percent increase from 2021. 

Among those overall numbers, Asia stood out as having the largest number of active F and M international student records, making up 70.4 percent of the total international student population. This was in large part due to the number of students from China and India, with 324,196 and 297,151 active students respectively. IIE’s latest Open Doors Report published late last year tells a similar story: according to their report, students from China and India accounted for 52 percent of international students during the 2021/22 academic year. 

While understanding where international students are from helps understand international education trends, identifying where they attend school once they arrive in the United States is critical to our work as exchange community advocates. As the Alliance continues to engage congressional offices, the report’s data on the number of international students in each state helps to identify and strengthen champions of exchange programs throughout the country. As in past years, California stood out as hosting the largest percentage of international students (16.5 percent) of any U.S. state. NAFSA’s 2022 Economic Value Statistics tool tells a similar story: international students in California contributed $5.4 billion dollars to the U.S. economy and supported 54,023 jobs. California lawmakers have also come to the table this year, willing to put their support for international education and exchange programming in writing: both CA Senators and 14 CA Representatives signed on to letters of support for the Alliance’s FY24 educational and cultural exchange funding ask. The SEVIS data on international students hosted in California provides us as advocates with another data point to turn to when highlighting the power of these opportunities.  

This year’s report continues to confirm what we are seeing from other industry reports: international students and exchange visitor numbers are steadily increasing as the world re-engages post-pandemic. 

Biden Administration’s FY24 Budget Request: Proposed Exchanges Funding Explained

The Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) appropriations cycle is officially in full swing with the release of the Biden Administration’s proposed budget late last week. The President’s $6.8 trillion request, while unlikely to be enacted in the current divided Congress, presents a starting point for the negotiations to come.

The FY24 proposed budget includes $70.6 billion (an $8.9 billion increase compared to FY23) in discretionary non-emergency funding for the International Affairs Budget. As a portion of this larger international affairs funding, State Department Educational and Cultural Exchange (ECE) programs are budgeted at $783.7 million, a $6.2 million (0.8%) increase from the current FY23 enacted level of $777.5 million.

In reviewing the State Department’s Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ, pg. 57-61), there are three notable takeaways:

1. The proposed ECE budget has an overall increase, but the majority of flagship ECA programs include cuts.
   While this year’s topline request is approximately $6 million more than current funding, a closer look shows that it includes cuts across the board to key programs like Fulbright (-$2.25M), Gilman (-$800k), and IVLP (-$2.73M). See specific line items in the table below.

2. Majority of increased funding goes toward the Young Leaders Initiatives and Exchanges Support.
   The main areas of increased investment include the Young African Leader’s Initiative (+$5.1M), Young South-East Asian Leaders Initiative (+$6.2M), and Exchanges Support (+$10M). The CBJ notes that the additional funding for Exchanges Support is devoted to “the FY 2024 projected American Pay Raise, one new position to support YSEALI, IT modernization, and various working capital funds and other IT support charges.”

3. The language around programming focuses on competing with China and Russia, which is in line with the proposals for the International Affairs Budget as a whole.
   The justifications for both the Academic Programs and Professional and Cultural Exchanges requests highlight that funding in these areas is needed to help the U.S. compete with China and Russia in attracting international students, as well as presenting alternatives to their influence vis-à-vis sharing American values around the world. This emphasis fits into the larger picture of the Administration using the resources proposed in the International Affairs Budget as a means to counter Chinese global influence and support Eastern Europe against Russian authoritarianism, which is well outlined in USGLC’s budget analysis.

While an increased topline request for exchanges is positive, the proposed cuts to ECA’s flagship programs referenced above would hinder the ability of exchange programs to meet the goals set by the Administration.

As a result, the Administration's request reinforces the importance of our continued advocacy efforts during the FY24 cycle. In our advocacy activities over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to promote our community’s request for ECE funding at $855 million.

Statement regarding proposed reforms to the federal Au Pair cultural exchange program

Statement of the Alliance for International Exchange Regarding Proposed Reforms to the Federal Au Pair Cultural Exchange Program

Washington, D.C. – February 23, 2023 –  On behalf of our members designated by the U.S. Department of State to administer the federal au pair cultural exchange program, the Alliance for International Exchange is supportive of the Department of State (DOS) taking steps to clarify and modernize the program via new regulations. DOS is uniquely positioned to modify the program and, in so doing, to strike a balance between the program’s clear foreign policy and public diplomacy goals and the need to update and clarify certain aspects of the program in support of all program participants.

On February 10, proposed new regulations were submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). We look forward to the opportunity to review the proposed new regulations in full once they become publicly available, and to weigh in at that time on the impact they may have on our international exchange community.

For more than three decades, the federal au pair program has remained a vitally important cultural exchange opportunity for thousands of American families and young people from around the world.  The program provides a mutually enriching experience that builds bridges across borders and cultures, sparks mutual understanding, and creates meaningful life-long friendships.

Member Op-Ed: With Virtual Exchange, Young People are Changing the World

By Carol Jenkins, World Learning and Christine Shiau, Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute

“There are some youth who have energy and want to make their community a better place, but they don’t know how.”

Areej of Iraq spoke these words after leading a two-month virtual exchange program called Leaders of Tomorrow that connects high school students online from Iraq, Mexico, and the United States to focus on conflict resolution and community action projects.

How much better off would our world be if we could harness the passion and potential of the world’s youth?

Through virtual exchange, children in New York City’s public schools have learned game design in lockstep with peers in Bahrain. Latino high school students in San Antonio have partnered with fellow students in Libya to create actionable pollution solutions for India’s Ganges River, and rural community college students have had worldview-expanding experiences getting to know peers in Iraq.

Virtual exchange is booming, thanks in part to the Stevens Initiative, founded in 2015 to honor U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, who was killed in a raid in Benghazi a decade ago on September 11. Inspired by his lifelong passion for building bridges between the U.S. and the Middle East and North Africa, his family launched the Stevens Initiative in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State, the Aspen Institute, the Bezos Family Foundation, and the governments of Morocco and the UAE.

Through convenings, advocacy, research, and grant making to organizations such as World Learning, a nonprofit and educational institution, the Stevens Initiative has powered virtual education programs that will have reached some 75,000 young people in 17 MENA countries and 49 U.S. states by summer 2023.

Today, both technology and a strong cohort of international education partners have made virtual exchange not only possible, but a growing part of the global educational landscape. At a time when our country is seeking to eliminate disparities and create economic equity for all genders, physical abilities, and socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, institutionalizing virtual exchange across the educational system is a powerful way to level the playing field. Virtual exchanges should be a part of every student’s experience, whether in grade school, high school, university, or community college.

For young people living in remote or rural settings, or who don’t have the financial resources to travel, virtual exchange offers a door to global awareness and skill-building that can enhance college readiness, expand employment opportunities, and contribute to personal growth.

And as diverse populations have access to the skills taught in exchanges, they share that information in their communities and create a cascade effect in which people from underserved communities are given opportunities to create change.

Within World Learning’s program The Experiment Digital, for example, Malak A. of Egypt is leading the Climate Change Warriors Project, educating Egyptian youth about the impact of climate change. Participants are spreading awareness online, convening experts to discuss environmental sustainability, leading street clean-up campaigns, and organizing field trips to natural protectorates.

In Pittsburgh, PA, Sophia G. founded a platform for multiracial youth to connect with each other, discuss interracial matters and current social issues, and publish informational materials. Through virtual discussions and an in-person summit, Sophia and another alumna from The Experiment Digital hope to empower youth to affirm and explore multiracial identities.

Now is the perfect time to introduce your students to the possibilities of virtual exchange programs available to them after school and this summer. Encourage them to develop their skills, find their voice, and connect with their peers from around the world to discover the power they have to make a difference. In so doing, we’ll prepare all students for success not only as global citizens but as thought leaders and change makers too.

###

Carol Jenkins is the CEO of World Learning and Christine Shiau is Executive Director of the Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute.

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Carol Jenkins is the CEO of World Learning Inc., which encompasses three distinct branches: The Experiment in International Living; School for International Training, which includes SIT Study Abroad and SIT Graduate Institute; and the nonprofit global development and exchange unit World Learning. Jenkins also serves as president of the global development and exchange division, where she oversees programs in more than 30 countries. Jenkins has served in multiple positions at World Learning over more than a decade. She first joined in June 2007 as senior director of international programs after a 16-year career in humanitarian aid and development. She spent seven years at the organization, including three years as head of its International Development and Exchange. In 2014, after nearly a year working on business and program development for World Vision in East Africa, Jenkins returned to World Learning. Under Jenkins’s leadership, World Learning’s development portfolio has seen revenue increase by 14 percent with continued anticipated growth. She oversaw the merger of World Learning’s three development and exchange offices into one location, leveraging the assets of more than 100 staff members. She was named CEO in February 2018. Prior to joining World Learning, Jenkins was director of program development for International Medical Corps, where she managed a team of technical business development professionals to improve the quality of field programs and expand the coverage to project recipients. She also previously spent 12 years working for World Vision, including a period during which she was posted in Southern Africa. Jenkins holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Messiah College in Pennsylvania. She was a fellow at the Luskin School of Public Affairs at University of California, Los Angeles, in 2012 and a participant in the Leadership Program at the International Civil Society Center.

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Christine Shiau is Executive Director of the Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute. She drives vision and performance, leading strategy and program development, cultivating international and philanthropic partnerships, and ensuring effective management and oversight of the program. She blends strategic insight with creativity to establish virtual exchange as a cutting-edge field that builds global competencies and career readiness skills in youth and propels the internationalization of education.  Christine sits on the board of the Alliance for International Exchange and AMP Global Youth. She joined the Initiative following a career in the public and private sectors. Christine graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago with a B.S. in accounting and a minor in marketing. She received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.

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The Power of International Exchange: Congressional Lunch & Learn

On January 25, 2023, the Alliance held a Lunch and Learn on Capitol Hill for congressional staff to discuss the power of international educational and cultural exchange programs. Special thanks to Joel Colony at World Learning, Alliance Board member Christine Shiau at the Stevens Initiative, and Christine La Monica-Lunn at InterExchange and her team for making the event possible!

A recording of the session can be viewed below:

• For BridgeUSA content, jump to 6:20.

• For federally-funded program content, jump to 17:40.

• For virtual exchange content, jump to 26:15.

• For Q&A, jump to 39:10.

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Advocacy Day - March 8 & 9

Advocacy Day is a unique opportunity for Alliance members to come together and engage with Congress on the positive impact international exchange has at the state and local level. Attendees will have the opportunity to directly interact with relevant representatives and share their exchange stories and experiences.

The Alliance is thrilled to once again host our annual Advocacy Day meetings in person for members!

The 2023 event will kickstart with virtual advocacy orientation and briefing sessions the week of Monday, February 27. A Congressional Reception and in person Congressional Meetings will be held the following week on Wednesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 9 respectively.

To learn more and register, visit our website here.

2022 Midterm Election Analysis

After weeks of counting, the majority of races in the 2022 midterms have been decided, allowing for a clearer picture of what the 118th Congress will look like come January. What follows are our thoughts on the election results and their implications for the international exchange community. In short, the three key takeaways are:

1) This is as close to a status quo election as possible.

2) Familiar faces will remain on Foreign Affairs/Relations and Appropriations Committees, where leadership will mostly stay the same.

3) But, key departures from these committees, and of other exchange supporters across Congress, means new relationships need to be built and new champions developed. 

1) The results of this midterm election are about as close to a status quo election outcome as is possible, with no strong mandate for either party. 

• As expected, Republicans took over the House majority, but with a slimmer margin than anticipated (220 – 213 with 2 uncalled).

  • The House will vote on the new Speaker in early January with current Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA) the front runner for the role. Committee chairs and make-up will be officially decided after the Speaker vote. Given the narrow majority, committee ratios will also need to be confirmed early next year.

  • On the Democratic side, there will be a change in leadership with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD) stepping down from the number one and two spots. Their potential successors include Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (NY), Katherine Clark (MA), and Pete Aguilar (CA).

• Democrats have kept control of the Senate, which is now at 50-49.

  • The Georgia seat, set for a run-off election next Tuesday, December 6, will no longer decide the majority. If Sen. Raphael Warnock is re-elected, and the Democrats have a 51-49 majority, this would limit the power of either Sen. Joe Manchin (WV) or Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (AZ) to block the party from a simple majority.

  • Senate leadership will likely remain Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY). As with the House, committee ratios will need to be negotiated due to the slim margins between majority and minority. However, if the seat breakdown remains 50-50 as it is now, there likely won’t be significant changes.

 2) International exchanges continue to have strong support among returning Members of Congress.

• For the authorizing and appropriating committees for exchanges, leadership will remain mostly the same.

  • Familiar faces Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) are expected to continue to lead the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), while the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) is likely to keep its leadership of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID).

  • It is also expected that the House Appropriations Committee (HAC) will continue to be led by Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), who will switch roles to Chair and Ranking Member, respectively.

• Other supportive Members on these committees that were re-elected include Reps. Hal Rogers (R-KY), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), as well as Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and John Boozman (R-AR).

• Another notable Senate Appropriations Committee member, Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), also won a tough re-election race and will be returning to the 118th next year. A key supporter on the Republican side, Sen. Murkowski was one of the original sponsors of the Exchange Visitor Program provision included in the appropriations bills since FY2018.

 3) Key departures necessitate outreach and education to new faces and potential champions. 

• On the House side, both the Appropriations Committee (HAC) and Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) will have 8 departures each in the new year. Some notable changes include:

  • HAC has 6 Ds and 2 Rs departing with 2 flipped seats of Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ) and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA).

  • HFAC is losing 4 Ds and 4 Rs, including Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Vice Chair on Foreign Affairs and longtime Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH).

• Approximately 21% of Representatives (21 Ds, 1 R) who signed on to the Alliance-facilitated FY23 House appropriations letter supporting funding for exchange programs are not returning in the next Congress.

• In the upper chamber, the Senate Appropriations Committee will face leadership changes. Both the current Chair, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Ranking Member, Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL), are retiring. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), who have both supported exchanges during their tenures, are expected to take over these leadership roles in January.

  • Leahy will be leaving an open spot on the State and Foreign Operations subcommittee, along with another longtime exchanges supporter, Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO).

• As of now, none of the Senators that signed the Alliance-facilitated FY23 Senate appropriations letter are departing. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) could be the only departure depending on the results of the Georgia run-off election next week.

• Freshman to watch (for more information, see USGLC’s 2022 Midterm Election Analysis):

  • Senator-Elect Katie Britt (R-AL) has regularly expressed strong support for U.S. global leadership during her candidacy.

  • Senator-Elect John Fetterman (D-PA) has stated that the U.S. “should be engaging in preventive diplomacy, and proactively working with other countries to improve relations.”

  • Senator-Elect Peter Welch (D-VT) is a former House member who has supported exchange programs throughout his time in Congress.

  • Representative-elect Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) is a strong supporter of American global leadership.

  • Representative-elect Zach Nunn (R-IA) has advocated as a former national security official on why America must remain engaged in the world.

What will happen between now and January 3 when the new Congress is seated? As Senate Majority Leader Schumer said in a post-election press conference, “We are going to try to have as productive a lame-duck session as possible.”

Here are key priorities for the remainder of 2022:

• With the current Continuing Resolution (CR) expiring in less than three weeks, finalizing funding for FY23 is a focus. Passing an omnibus for FY23 or another CR to prevent a government shutdown ahead of the holiday break will be the number one priority. Democrats will likely want to pass an omnibus while they still have control of both chambers.

• The annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a must-pass bill that traditionally has bipartisan support. However, House Minority Leader (and likely future Speaker) McCarthy has suggested delaying the NDAA until after the New Year when Republicans have control of the House. If this happens, it would be the first time in more than 60 years that the NDAA was not passed before the start of the year.

• Other priorities on Congress’ mind include the Respect for Marriage Act, which was already passed by the House and will be voted on this week in the Senate, as well as the bipartisan overhaul of the Electoral Count Act. With time running out, the latter may need to be tied to appropriations or the NDAA.

As we move into the New Year, we are looking forward to engaging new partners as well as familiar friends in the 118th Congress to share the power and impact of people-to-people exchanges.

2022 Stevens Initiative Report: A Survey of Virtual Exchange

As part of International Education Week, the Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute released a comprehensive report on their survey of the virtual exchange field. More than 150 respondents participated in this year’s survey, representing findings in higher education, the NGO sector, secondary education, and more. This year’s report includes five case studies, which highlight opportunities and challenges of virtual exchange, data on funding and institutional support, key takeaways, and future plans.  

Before diving into the data, the report highlights some of the Stevens Initiative’s overarching best practices in virtual exchange, which include intentionality and a focus on collaboration and reciprocity of knowledge and learning.  

Alliance Takeaways: 

Successful virtual exchange requires flexibility.  

• Most programs offer a blend of asynchronous and synchronous approaches. 

• Approximately 21% of programs are conducted in English and another language, with the most used being Spanish, French, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. 

• The majority of programs take place over a course of less than 6 weeks, with 5-6 weeks being the most frequent program length, followed by 1-2 weeks.  

• Providers have had to adapt to variable access to technology, often making investments in schools’ technology infrastructure, or adopting flexible programming schedules. 

Collaboration and training are key. 

• 81% of providers indicated that they were part of one or more virtual exchange networks or consortia.  

• External initiatives, like Erasmus in the EU, are a supporting resource that allow “for capacity building and increased participation in the practice of virtual exchange.” 

• 80% of providers have implemented some form of training for educators and facilitators. For example, virtual exchange providers at the Universidad de Monterrey in Mexico consulted with education professors to compare and assess the same course taught with and without a virtual exchange element.  

The Stevens Initiative’s analysis indicates that the virtual exchange field will continue to grow, but trends may fluctuate based on disruptions and numbers that may have previously correlated with the pandemic. Looking toward the future, the analysis also emphasizes the importance of local partnerships, flexible programming, and continued dedication to facilitator training. It is encouraging to see the continued innovation and research in the virtual exchange field, and the Stevens Initiative report is a useful resource for both existing providers and members of the exchange community.  

2022 Open Doors Report: What's Next for International Education?

Every year at the beginning of International Education Week, the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange is released by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Institute of International Education (IIE). This report provides an in-depth examination of the international student and study abroad landscape. As we amplify international education and exchange stories throughout the week, the Open Doors data grounds these narratives and speaks to the larger trends in the field. 

In his remarks during the Open Doors data release, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “When international students come to the United States—and when Americans study abroad—they bring their talents, perspectives, and cultures to their new communities. And when they work with peers to advance research and knowledge, they spark innovation and forge bonds across borders that can last a lifetime.”  

Below are some key takeaways from this year’s data:

1. International student numbers in the U.S. are on the rise. 

• During the 2021-22 academic year, 948,519 international students studied in the U.S., up 4% from the previous academic year. China, India, and South Korea remain the top three sending countries, though the number of students from China decreased by 8.6%.  

• In conjunction with the 2022 Open Doors release, NAFSA’s annual update to their International Student Economic Value Tool finds that international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contributed $33.8 billion and supported 335,423 jobs to the U.S. economy during the 2021-2022 academic year.

2. U.S. student study abroad numbers are way down, but a rebound is on the horizon. 

• There was a 91.1% decrease in study abroad participants from 2019-20 to 2020-21. Keep in mind that the Open Doors data for U.S. study abroad lags one year behind, so this large drop is reflecting the worst of the pandemic travel decreases.  

• IIE’s Snapshot Surveys indicate a rebound in study abroad is on the near horizon: 83% of institutions anticipated increased study abroad numbers in 2022-23. The rate of growth in global student mobility has increased steadily over the past 20 years, with the average growth rate being 5%.

3. There is still work to be done to ensure the study abroad population reflects the U.S. population. 

• Diversifying study abroad remains a primary goal; while 46% of students in the U.S. come from minority racial and/or ethnic backgrounds, only 32% of study abroad participants identify as such.  

• As institutions continue to expand study abroad opportunities, “continued focus in this area is necessary to align with the national U.S. student enrollment trend.”

4. Virtual exchange is key for increasing accessibility and sustainability. 

• 32,990 students participated in virtual global learning experiences in 2020-21, with the number of institutions reporting data having doubled since 2019-20. These learning experiences included remote internships, remote academic courses, and videoconference dialogues, highlighting the increasing presence of virtual technology in international exchange

In the words of Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield, “International education is undoubtedly a foundational pillar of our people-to-people diplomacy work to support broader U.S. foreign policy goals.” We are encouraged by the rebounds and resiliency the 2022 Open Doors report reflects and look forward to using this data as we move into 2023.What we’re reading on the 2022 Open Doors Report: 

• The Washington Post: International college enrollment ticks back up after pandemic 

• StudyTravel: Strong recovery in new students for US unis in 2021/22, growth continuing this year 

• Karin Fischer at The Chronicle of Higher Education 

Alliance for International Exchange Names Mark Overmann Executive Director

The Alliance for International Exchange has named Mark Overmann as its new Executive Director. He will begin his tenure on October 3.

Overmann rejoins the Alliance, where he served as Deputy Director, and as Assistant Director/Senior Policy Specialist.

The Alliance, an association of 80 U.S.-based exchange organizations, serves as the collective policy voice of the exchange community.

For the past 3 years, Overmann served as a Senior Manager for Accenture Federal Services, where he managed a major Department of State program focused on global health and diplomacy.

“We are thrilled to have Mark Overmann return to the Alliance as our Executive Director,” said Jennifer Clinton, chair of the Alliance Board and President of Cultural Vistas. “All of Mark’s professional career – his varied work in our community, both with exchange organizations and with the Alliance, his leadership role in the consulting world, and his personal exchange experiences make him the ideal person to lead the Alliance in these challenging times.

“This appointment is the culmination of an extensive and very competitive search. We believe Mark has unique capacities to listen and learn from our diverse membership, and to lead the Alliance to new levels of success.”

Prior to joining Accenture, Overmann worked at InterExchange, a large New York-based exchange organization, as Vice President of External Affairs.

Before his first stint with the Alliance, Overmann was Program Associate at the National Council for International Visitors (now Global Ties US), and Director of College Communications at Georgetown University.

He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and holds an M.A. from American University. As an undergraduate, he studied abroad in France, and after completing his degree, taught English in Northeast China, in a small town near the North Korean border.

Alliance for International Exchange Names Mark Overmann Executive Director

The Alliance for International Exchange has named Mark Overmann as its new Executive Director. He will begin his tenure on October 3.

Overmann rejoins the Alliance, where he served as Deputy Director, and as Assistant Director/Senior Policy Specialist.

The Alliance, an association of 80 U.S.-based exchange organizations, serves as the collective policy voice of the exchange community.

For the past 3 years, Overmann served as a Senior Manager for Accenture Federal Services, where he managed a major Department of State program focused on global health and diplomacy.

“We are thrilled to have Mark Overmann return to the Alliance as our Executive Director,” said Jennifer Clinton, chair of the Alliance Board and President of Cultural Vistas. “All of Mark’s professional career – his varied work in our community, both with exchange organizations and with the Alliance, his leadership role in the consulting world, and his personal exchange experiences make him the ideal person to lead the Alliance in these challenging times.

“This appointment is the culmination of an extensive and very competitive search. We believe Mark has unique capacities to listen and learn from our diverse membership, and to lead the Alliance to new levels of success.”

Prior to joining Accenture, Overmann worked at InterExchange, a large New York-based exchange organization, as Vice President of External Affairs.

Before his first stint with the Alliance, Overmann was Program Associate at the National Council for International Visitors (now Global Ties US), and Director of College Communications at Georgetown University.

He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and holds an M.A. from American University. As an undergraduate, he studied abroad in France, and after completing his degree, taught English in Northeast China, in a small town near the North Korean border.

Farewell Letters: Thanking Ilir Zherka for his leadership

The Alliance for International Exchange and its community of stakeholders are grateful to Ilir Zherka for his leadership over the past seven years. Below are letters of thanks from key Alliance partners that make our work possible:

• Assistant Secretary of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield

• Senator Chuck Schumer

• Representative Jim Himes

Alliance Thanks Ilir Zherka for his Leadership: Zherka Vacating Executive Director Role after 7 years

“The Alliance is very grateful to Ilir Zherka for his leadership during a uniquely challenging time for the Alliance and the broader exchange community,” said Jennifer Clinton, Chair of the Alliance Board of Directors.  

Since Zherka joined the Alliance, the community has significantly strengthened its voice. The Alliance commissioned its first-ever impact reports. Additionally, member and stakeholder engagement increased substantially with greater participation in advocacy days on Capitol Hill and in letter writing campaigns. The Alliance also launched the Exchange Week in the District program to increase grassroots engagement with local congressional offices and the People for International Exchange initiative to increase stakeholder involvement with the Alliance.  

“I want to thank the Alliance Board and its membership for the opportunity to serve this important community at such a critical time,” said Ilir Zherka. “Increasing mutual understanding between people around the world is as important now as ever. We strengthen the cause of freedom and prosperity when we couple traditional diplomacy with exchange programs that often create deep, personal relationships between participants and hosts across borders, cultures, and generations.”

 Zherka is a graduate of Cornell University and the University of Virginia School of Law. He and his family immigrated to the United States when he was a child. Ilir credits the support he received from people in the community and from government programs for helping him and his family succeed. “I have dedicated my life to serving the public interest,” added Zherka. “After taking some time off, I hope to continue making a positive difference in the world by empowering greater engagement in the workplace, in our communities, and with our elected representatives.” More information about Zherka’s background can be found here.

“The Alliance is confident we will select a new executive that will help us take advantage of the emerging opportunities and address the continuing challenges the exchange community is facing worldwide,” Clinton added.   

Michael McCarry, a prior Executive Director at the Alliance, will serve in that role again on an interim basis while the Board finalizes its search for its next leader which it hopes to announce at its upcoming Annual Conference on October 18.  

The Alliance for International Exchange is an association dedicated to promoting the growth and impact of exchange programs and the effectiveness of its members. Since 1993, it serves as the collective public policy voice for nearly 90 organizations comprising the international educational and cultural exchange community in the United States.