Press Releases
Press releases by the Alliance. For media Inquiries, contact Laine Cavanaugh at lcavanaugh@alliance-exchange.orgAugust 5 is Exchange Day – The Annual Celebration of International Exchange
Washington, D.C. – Exchange Day is an annual celebration of international educational and cultural exchange programs. Today, event participants are raising awareness about the power of exchange, while connecting participants and alumni with their local communities....
ILR Piece on Summer Work Travel Fatally Flawed
Executive Director of the Alliance for International Exchange, Ilir Zherka, released a statement today in response to the International Labor Recruitment’s piece entitled “Shining A Light on Summer Work.” “Shining A Light on Summer Work” unfortunately is a poorly...
U.S. Portugal sign an MOU to Establish a 12-month Pilot Program for 5 years
Assistant Secretary Marie Royce and Portuguese Ambassador to the United States Domingos Fezas Vital signed an MOU commemorating the launch of a 12-month pilot program between both nations.
Open Doors Report Shows 1.5 percent Increase in International Students Coming to the U.S.
The 2018 Open Doors Report shows a 1.5% increase in the number of international students coming to the U.S for higher education: 1,094,792 international students enrolled in United States higher education institutions in 2017/18 compared to 1,078,822 students in 2016/17.
New NAFSA Economic Impact Analysis: International students contribute $39 Billion to the U.S Economy
New data recently released by NAFSA: Association of International Educators indicate that the more than one million international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities during the 2017-18 academic year contributed $39 billion to the U.S. economy, while at the same time supporting more than 450,622 jobs. These numbers represent a 1.2% increase in job support and creation and a 5.8% increase in dollars contributed to the economy compared to the previous academic year.
EurekaFacts Camp Counselor Report
We are thrilled to announce the release of the EurekaFacts Camp Counselor Report.
The report found that the Camp Counselor program positively impacts the United States by strengthening our national security and supporting our economy. Not only did 76% of participants develop a more positive view of American people, they also contributed over $59 million dollars to the U.S. economy during their stay.
Administration’s FY 2019 ECA Budget Would Hurt U.S. Diplomacy
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget released today by the Administration proposes a steep 75 percent cut to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Specifically, the FY19 request of $159 million is a significant reduction from ECA’s actual budget of $634.1 million in FY17. Last year, the Administration recommended a 55 percent cut to ECA. Although a long-term FY18 budget has not been finalized, Congress recognized the importance of ECA and increased its funding for FY17.
Alliance Congratulates Marie Royce on Nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for ECA at the Department of State
“The Alliance for International Exchange congratulates Ms. Marie Royce on the announcement of President Donald J. Trump’s intent to nominate her to be Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Senate Appropriations Committee Passes Amendment Aimed at Protecting the J1 Exchange Visitor Program
Today the Senate Appropriations Committee approved language designed to ensure that any changes made to the J1 Exchange Visitor Program be done publically, in line with the full notice and comment requirements of the normal federal regulatory process. The amendment was co-sponsored by Senator Chris Coons, Ranking Member Patrick Leahy, and Senator Lisa Murkowksi.
White House Interagency Group Seeking to Eliminate J1 Visitor Exchange Visa Program
At a time when the world’s favorability rating of the United States hovers below 50 percent, a small working group based in the White House is seeking to eliminate the majority of privately-funded J1 Exchange Visitor Programs. As reported today in the Wall Street Journal, American businesses fear the economic blow they will experience as a result of this effort.