Global connections, local impact. If international exchange programs had a slogan, I’d say this phrase would be high on the list of contenders.  

The Alliance for International Exchange, on behalf of its more than 90 U.S.-based members who implement international exchange programs is launching a campaign to urge Members of Congress to reject the President’s FY26 budget proposal and support funding for international exchange programs.

By Mark Overmann We expected it, but it’s still deeply disappointing to see. The President’s FY26 budget proposal would essentially...

International exchange programs make America “safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” This has been an Alliance refrain since Secretary of State Marco Rubio first coined the phrase during his Senate confirmation hearing on January 15. It has fueled our advocacy over the past 100 days as we’ve worked to thaw a funding freeze, navigated Executive Orders and leaked memos impacting exchanges, prepared for expected proposed cuts to ECA funding, and so much more.

Read on for four lessons from the past 100 days that we at the Alliance are reflecting on to inform our advocacy efforts going forward.

This morning, Secretary of State Rubio shared his vision for a reorganization of the Department of State, including a new org chart,...