Alliance Commentary
Analysis of the latest news around Washington, D.C. and the exchange community from Alliance staff and members.Intl ed signaled as top export priority for first time in new National Export Strategy
For the first time, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Export Strategy identifies international education as a top export priority. The report outlines the significant economic contributions that stem from international education (in 2022, U.S. exports of education-related travel totaled $37.68 billion, a 17% increase from the year prior) and five novel approaches to promoting education and exchange opportunities in the U.S.
A Note from the Executive Director: Join us at the 2023 Annual Conference!
Registration for the 2023 Alliance Annual Conference is now live! Join us on November 2-3 for exciting new panels, workshops, and networking opportunities at the Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel. Make sure to register by Monday, October 2 to secure your spot today!
In Memory of Elizabeth Chazottes, Alliance Board Chair and ED of AIPT
By Mark Overmann It is with a heavy heart that the Alliance recognizes the recent passing of Elizabeth Chazottes. Elizabeth led the Association for International Practical Training (AIPT) for nearly 25 years and played a crucial role in its merger with CDS...
#CelebrateExchangeDay on August 7th!
Join us in sharing the power of exchange programs this Exchange Day on Monday, August 7.
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.
Elizabeth Allen confirmed as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
On Tuesday, June 13, Elizabeth Allen was confirmed with bipartisan support by the U.S. Senate as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.
Reflections from #NAFSA75
Reflections from a first-time NAFSA attendee.
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.
Reflections from the Future: Angela Zheng, Global Ties U.S.
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
“How are we fostering the next generation of international exchange leaders?” Jacob Gandolfi, Program Officer at FHI 360, reflects on what the next 30 years of our field will look like and how we can continue to grow as a community.