Alliance Commentary
Analysis of the latest news around Washington, D.C. and the exchange community from Alliance staff and members.Opinion/Commentary: International connections, lasting local impact
As published in the Daily Progress on September 15, 2019. At age 7, I attended summer camp for the first time. I don’t remember much else, but I vividly remember the camp counselors. They seemed impressively mature and exceedingly cool. To add to their impact, my...
International Camp Counselor Program Creates Connections, Supports American Economy
As the summer comes to a close, international camp counselors, who shape the experience of so many American campers, will be crossing over land and sea to return to their homes abroad. Not only does their experience infuse American camps with diverse cultures from...
Letter to the Editor: Baltimore Sun “U.S. summer work visa exploits foreigners”
Dear Editor: Rachel Micah-Jones’ opinion article, “U.S. summer work visa exploits foreigners,” (August 6) neglects to mention the strong evidence that the Summer Work Travel program (SWT) is both protecting participants and serving our national security interests....
August 5 is Exchange Day – The Annual Celebration of International Exchange
Washington, D.C. – Exchange Day is an annual celebration of international educational and cultural exchange programs. Today, event participants are raising awareness about the power of exchange, while connecting participants and alumni with their local communities....
ILR Piece on Summer Work Travel Fatally Flawed
Executive Director of the Alliance for International Exchange, Ilir Zherka, released a statement today in response to the International Labor Recruitment’s piece entitled “Shining A Light on Summer Work.” “Shining A Light on Summer Work” unfortunately is a poorly...
Letter to the Editor: Guardian “Foreign Students Hired for Summer Jobs…”
Dear Editor: Legrain’s article, “Foreign students hired for summer jobs … ” (July 30) unfortunately disparages the U.S.’ Summer Work Travel (SWT) exchange program without an opportunity for supporters of the program to comment. The article’s focus is a poorly sourced...
U.S. Portugal sign an MOU to Establish a 12-month Pilot Program for 5 years
Assistant Secretary Marie Royce and Portuguese Ambassador to the United States Domingos Fezas Vital signed an MOU commemorating the launch of a 12-month pilot program between both nations.
Exchange programs are a two-way street when it comes to commerce and industry.
As published on the American Foreign Service Association's website in January 2019. By Marie Royce Economic diplomacy works because of people. And the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is in the people business. We are making the...
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.