Opinion Articles
Opinion pieces by Alliance staff.Opinion/Commentary: International connections, lasting local impact
As published in the Daily Progress on September 15, 2019. At age 7, I attended summer camp for the first time. I don’t remember much else, but I vividly remember the camp counselors. They seemed impressively mature and exceedingly cool. To add to their impact, my...
International Camp Counselor Program Creates Connections, Supports American Economy
As the summer comes to a close, international camp counselors, who shape the experience of so many American campers, will be crossing over land and sea to return to their homes abroad. Not only does their experience infuse American camps with diverse cultures from...
Letter to the Editor: Baltimore Sun “U.S. summer work visa exploits foreigners”
Dear Editor: Rachel Micah-Jones’ opinion article, “U.S. summer work visa exploits foreigners,” (August 6) neglects to mention the strong evidence that the Summer Work Travel program (SWT) is both protecting participants and serving our national security interests....
Letter to the Editor: Guardian “Foreign Students Hired for Summer Jobs…”
Dear Editor: Legrain’s article, “Foreign students hired for summer jobs … ” (July 30) unfortunately disparages the U.S.’ Summer Work Travel (SWT) exchange program without an opportunity for supporters of the program to comment. The article’s focus is a poorly sourced...
Exchange programs are a two-way street when it comes to commerce and industry.
As published on the American Foreign Service Association's website in January 2019. By Marie Royce Economic diplomacy works because of people. And the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is in the people business. We are making the...
Ilir Zherka
As published on the StudyTravel Magazine of EnglishUSA on December 5, 2018. This week, we interview Ilir Zherka of the Alliance for International Exchange about the group's activities, useful resources for agents, and how it marked its 25th anniversary. Firstly, can...
Speaking up for International Exchange Programs
As published on the Global Ties U.S. website on October 29, 2018. By Sue Yang, Senior Director for External Relations, Alliance for International Exchange Advocacy is at the nexus of policy, people, and exchanges. If you've ever wondered how policymakers decide on...
Response to “Shortchanged” Report Regarding the Au Pair Cultural Exchange Program
The International Labor Recruitment Working Group (“ILR”) recently issued a report entitled, “Shortchanged: The Big Business Behind the Low Wage J-1 Au Pair Program” (the “Report”). The Report is replete with unfounded allegations and inaccuracies. It ignores the...
Professional Exchanges Support U.S. Public Diplomacy Goals
Young professionals around the world are striving to compete in today’s global economy. As individuals have become more interconnected with their counterparts across the world, international training has also become a highly valued skill. American policymakers are...
SWT: Just the Facts on Cultural Exchange
Ilir Zherka, Contributor Executive Director of the Alliance for International Exchange Just the Facts on Cultural Exchange 09/14/2017 08:32 am ET Updated Sep 14, 2017 A recent study by Pew found that the United State’s favorability rating globally hovers below...