Alliance Commentary
Analysis of the latest news around Washington, D.C. and the exchange community from Alliance staff and members.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.
Senate Appropriations Committee Passes Amendment Aimed at Protecting the J1 Exchange Visitor Program
Today the Senate Appropriations Committee approved language designed to ensure that any changes made to the J1 Exchange Visitor Program be done publically, in line with the full notice and comment requirements of the normal federal regulatory process. The amendment was co-sponsored by Senator Chris Coons, Ranking Member Patrick Leahy, and Senator Lisa Murkowksi.
White House Interagency Group Seeking to Eliminate J1 Visitor Exchange Visa Program
At a time when the world’s favorability rating of the United States hovers below 50 percent, a small working group based in the White House is seeking to eliminate the majority of privately-funded J1 Exchange Visitor Programs. As reported today in the Wall Street Journal, American businesses fear the economic blow they will experience as a result of this effort.
Does the Summer Work Travel International Exchange Program Work?
ROCKVILLE, MD., August 28, 2017 – The Alliance for International Exchange, an association of cultural exchange agencies, asked EurekaFacts to find just that. The Summer Work Travel program—one of five programs included in the J1 Visitor Exchange Program—brings more than 100,000 college students from 100 countries to the United States during their summer break. These students typically work at amusement parks, ski destinations and hospitality small businesses during their peak seasons.
New Study Shows that Summer Work Travel Delivers Significant Public Policy Benefits and Strengthens the U.S. Economy
Comes on Heels of White House Threat to Eliminate the Program