Alliance Commentary
Analysis of the latest news around Washington, D.C. and the exchange community from Alliance staff and members.Ilir Zherka
As published on the StudyTravel Magazine of EnglishUSA on December 5, 2018. This week, we interview Ilir Zherka of the Alliance for International Exchange about the group's activities, useful resources for agents, and how it marked its 25th anniversary. Firstly, can...
Open Doors Report Shows 1.5 percent Increase in International Students Coming to the U.S.
The 2018 Open Doors Report shows a 1.5% increase in the number of international students coming to the U.S for higher education: 1,094,792 international students enrolled in United States higher education institutions in 2017/18 compared to 1,078,822 students in 2016/17.
New NAFSA Economic Impact Analysis: International students contribute $39 Billion to the U.S Economy
New data recently released by NAFSA: Association of International Educators indicate that the more than one million international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities during the 2017-18 academic year contributed $39 billion to the U.S. economy, while at the same time supporting more than 450,622 jobs. These numbers represent a 1.2% increase in job support and creation and a 5.8% increase in dollars contributed to the economy compared to the previous academic year.
Speaking up for International Exchange Programs
As published on the Global Ties U.S. website on October 29, 2018. By Sue Yang, Senior Director for External Relations, Alliance for International Exchange Advocacy is at the nexus of policy, people, and exchanges. If you've ever wondered how policymakers decide on...
Response to “Shortchanged” Report Regarding the Au Pair Cultural Exchange Program
The International Labor Recruitment Working Group (“ILR”) recently issued a report entitled, “Shortchanged: The Big Business Behind the Low Wage J-1 Au Pair Program” (the “Report”). The Report is replete with unfounded allegations and inaccuracies. It ignores the...
EurekaFacts Camp Counselor Report
We are thrilled to announce the release of the EurekaFacts Camp Counselor Report.
The report found that the Camp Counselor program positively impacts the United States by strengthening our national security and supporting our economy. Not only did 76% of participants develop a more positive view of American people, they also contributed over $59 million dollars to the U.S. economy during their stay.
Professional Exchanges Support U.S. Public Diplomacy Goals
Young professionals around the world are striving to compete in today’s global economy. As individuals have become more interconnected with their counterparts across the world, international training has also become a highly valued skill. American policymakers are...
SWT: Just the Facts on Cultural Exchange
Ilir Zherka, Contributor Executive Director of the Alliance for International Exchange Just the Facts on Cultural Exchange 09/14/2017 08:32 am ET Updated Sep 14, 2017 A recent study by Pew found that the United State’s favorability rating globally hovers below...
Administration’s FY 2019 ECA Budget Would Hurt U.S. Diplomacy
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget released today by the Administration proposes a steep 75 percent cut to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Specifically, the FY19 request of $159 million is a significant reduction from ECA’s actual budget of $634.1 million in FY17. Last year, the Administration recommended a 55 percent cut to ECA. Although a long-term FY18 budget has not been finalized, Congress recognized the importance of ECA and increased its funding for FY17.
Alliance Congratulates Marie Royce on Nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for ECA at the Department of State
“The Alliance for International Exchange congratulates Ms. Marie Royce on the announcement of President Donald J. Trump’s intent to nominate her to be Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs.