Press Releases

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. 

ROCKVILLE, MD., August 28, 2017 – The Alliance for International Exchange, an association of cultural exchange agencies, asked EurekaFacts to find just that. The Summer Work Travel program—one of five programs included in the J1 Visitor Exchange Program—brings more than 100,000 college students from 100 countries to the United States during their summer break. These students typically work at amusement parks, ski destinations and hospitality small businesses during their peak seasons.

Comes on Heels of White House Threat to Eliminate the Program

Impact on American Business, Tourism and Diplomacy Devastating; New Study Shows Program Strengthens U.S. Economy.

More than 160 Former U.S. Ambassadors Oppose Cutting Funding for State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Statement by Ilir Zherka, Executive Director of the Alliance for Internatioanl Exchange:

President Trump’s new policies towards Cuba includes a detrimental restriction for Americans traveling to the island for educational purposes. The administration’s argument for cancelling this travel category is the erroneous assumption that people-to-people exchanges do not help the Cuban people and instead only benefits the Cuban government.

For Immediate Release
Contact: 202-293-6141

Fate of Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Rests with Congress

Washington, DC (May 23, 2017) – The budget released today by President Donald Trump proposes an unprecedented cut of 32 percent to the International Affairs budget, and a 55 percent cut to the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) specifically. ECA funds and oversees a wide range of critical international exchange programs which enable people-to-people diplomacy.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Oriana Pina
202-293-6141

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2017
Contact: Oriana Piña opina@alliance-exchange.org

Alliance members hosted 26 different community service events in states around the U.S. to participate in “J Day” – the annual celebration of international exchanges. These events enable sponsors to connect exchange participants with their American hosts through meaningful and fun activities.