Alliance Commentary
Analysis of the latest news around Washington, D.C. and the exchange community from Alliance staff and members.Au Pair Program Clarifying Regulation
Background: On October 30, 2023, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the Department of State (DOS) released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) outlining significant regulatory changes to the federal au pair cultural exchange program. These...
Our 2024 Commitments to Alliance Members
The Alliance shares its 2024 vision and commitments to its membership.
Open Position: Assistant Director and Head of Advocacy and Government Relations
The Assistant Director and Head of Advocacy and Government Relations plays a critical role in the Alliance’s advocacy and government relations work on behalf of the U.S. international exchange community, as well as in the development and management of member services. The Assistant Director develops strategies for Congressional advocacy and maintains a wide range of Capitol Hill and federal agency contacts to encourage policies and legislation favorable to international education and exchange. The position further monitors, analyzes, and reports legislative and executive developments and plays a core role in the Alliance’s policy development. As the second-ranking member of a small staff, the Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in Alliance strategy, Board of Directors relations, member engagement, and the general management of the association.
Building Unity and Community: Reflections on 2023
Happy 30th anniversary to the Alliance! Three decades is no small feat. The Alliance’s longevity is a testament to the resilience of its ideals. As a group of organizations united by a common purpose, we know that our collective efforts make us stronger. This year,...
Register for Advocacy Day 2024 today!
Registration for Advocacy Day 2024 is now live! Register by Monday, February 5 to make your voice heard.
Announcing the U.S for Success Coalition – A Multisector Initiative to Elevate International Student Success in the United States
The Alliance is excited to join our partners and fellow champions of international education and cultural exchange in launching the U.S. for Success Coalition, an initiative that aims to foster international student success in the United States. By welcoming...
Introducing the 2023 McCarry Leadership Awardees!
Driven by a passion for promoting intercultural understanding through meaningful face-to-face exchanges, Jaime Fahy joined One To World four years ago, and went on to take on a number of roles and projects at the organization. Jaime is now the Managing Director at...
House SFOPS amendment threatens to eliminate funding for DOS educational and cultural exchange programs
Tell your Rep to oppose amendment to eliminate DOS exchange funding: https://www.votervoice.net/EXCHANGE/campaigns/107854/respond
How Might Exchanges be Impacted by a U.S. Government Shutdown?
With only four legislative days left before the end of the fiscal year, Congress is still far from a funding deal. The Alliance’s Andrea Bodine provides a primer on how international exchange programs might be impacted by a government shutdown.
Navigating the Paradox: International Student Visa Trends in 2023
The dynamic landscape of international education has been marked this year by a powerful paradox: aspiring international students are displaying a renewed interest in studying in the U.S., yet this enthusiasm is met with a growing struggle to secure visas. A dichotomy emerges – while U.S. enrollments are surging for the first time since the pandemic, a shadow looms as visa denials rise. Collectively, these elements shape the trajectory of international student mobility, offering insights into the United States’ public diplomacy impact and its role as a competitive global player.