The Collective Public Policy Voice of the Exchange Community

Summer Work Travel Data Released in Department of State Report

The U.S. Department of State released its 2016 Summer Work Travel Monitoring Report, a study conducted by the Office of Private Sector Exchange (ECA/EC). The report analyzes the program through 446 field site visits across 25 states, and interviews with 1,582 exchange visitors and 362 host placements. Overall, the findings show that 97% of all SWT exchange visitors interviewed reported being happy or somewhat happy with their program experience, and nearly 90% were happy with their sponsors.

Federal Register since 3/29/2017

Below please find the listing of Federal Register announcements issued by the U.S. Departments of State, Education, and Homeland Security, and USAID since 3/29/2017

If you would like more information on any items on the list, please email us and provide the item number located next to the announcement.  Requests are processed on a daily basis. Please feel free to contact us with additional questions.

Political Climate Affecting International Student Applications

A new survey reveals that nearly 40 percent of U.S. higher education institutions are seeing a drop in the amount of applications from international students. At 39 percent, the highest declines involved undergraduate applications from the Middle East, as reported by Inside Higher Ed. More than 250 U.S. colleges and universities participated in the survey, which was conducted by six higher education groups including the Institute of International Education and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Former Ambassadors Address Congress on Budget Cuts to U.S. Department of State

The American Academy of Diplomacy and the Council of American Ambassadors call on Congress to reject the proposed budget cuts to the U.S. Department of State. In a public letter addressed to congressional leadership, the group of distinguished former American diplomats argue that cutting funds for diplomatic efforts at this level would pose serious risks to American security.