Alliance member organizations, in conjunction with the Department of State, facilitate a variety of academic exchange programs, including inbound (foreign participants coming the United States) and outbound (American participants going abroad).

The Office of Academic Exchange Programs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) oversees all academic programs sponsored by the Department of State, including the Fulbright Program (with opportunities for students, teachers, scholars, and mid-career professionals), the Humphrey program (for mid-career professionals), teacher exchange programs, English language programs, Study of the United States programs, and programs for undergraduate students. The office is also responsible for international student advising and marketing of American higher education resources through Education USA’s network of offices around the world; activities that support specialized scholarly research and other education and people-to-people activities through the Council of American Overseas Research Centers; and ECA activities designed to support the educational interests of the United States in international organizations and multilateral initiatives.

Academic exchanges are dynamic and flexible because they are built on partnerships with nations, private and public entities, and individuals that respond to changing priorities and needs. Many opportunities are available at all levels for inbound and outbound academic exchange.

The following Alliance members partner with the State Department in administering federally funded academic exchange programs:

• Academic Language Solutions
• American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
• American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS
• AMIDEAST
• CAORC: Council of American Overseas Research Centers
• CIED Georgetown
• English USA
• FHI 360
• IREX
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators
• One To World
• STS Global Studies Inc.
• UCIEP: University and College Intensive English Programs
• World Learning