The Alliance extends its congratulations to Senator Marco Rubio on his Secretary of State nomination. Since his election to the Senate in 2011, Senator Rubio has been a supporter of international exchange programs, particularly through his membership on the Senate State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee.
On November 21, the Alliance sent a letter to Senator Rubio’s office, congratulating him directly and highlighting the positive economic, political, and social impact of international exchanges on Americans and American communities:
- An investment in international exchange programs is an investment in the U.S. economy. International university students contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy and created 378,175 jobs in 2023-24. Approximately 90%, or $660 million, of the Department of State exchange program budget is spent on Americans traveling abroad or by international participants while in America. This is one of the best returns on investment in the entire federal government.
- International exchanges create political and business networks around the world – networks that cement diplomatic relationships and strengthen national security. Exchange programs have immeasurable national defense and security benefits, provide unique value for our nation, and advance American interests around the world. International exchanges are one of our oldest forms of diplomacy and are a key instrument of U.S. foreign policy, essential to strengthening U.S. global leadership and keeping us safe. Exchanges help us promote American values worldwide and build international partnerships based on shared interests that ultimately save lives and build nations.
- International exchanges create future American leaders, providing them the skills to be successful on the world stage. More than 31 million job openings require skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving – all skill sets shaped through international exchange experiences. Studying and traveling abroad helps to build careers – 9 out of 10 youth surveyed say they believe travel experiences increase employability.
- International exchanges help tell America’s story, showing the world what America is really like, building familiarity, kinship, and trust. Four out of five Americans feel international exchange programs enhance the image of their community as a good place to live. 94 percent of exchange students from Muslim-majority countries reported that they have a deeper, more favorable view of American culture after their year in the United States. 79 percent of Fellows who participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders agreed that the Fellowship helped build lasting and productive relationships, both personal and institutional, between the United States and African countries.
The Alliance looks forward to engaging Senator Rubio in his new role to sustain, protect, and grow international exchange programs.