Alliance Commentary
Analysis of the latest news around Washington, D.C. and the exchange community from Alliance staff and members.Alliance for International Exchange Names Mark Overmann Executive Director
The Alliance for International Exchange has named Mark Overmann as its new Executive Director. He will begin his tenure on October 3. Overmann rejoins the Alliance, where he served as Deputy Director, and as Assistant Director/Senior Policy Specialist. The Alliance,...
Alliance for International Exchange Names Mark Overmann Executive Director
The Alliance for International Exchange has named Mark Overmann as its new Executive Director. He will begin his tenure on October 3. Overmann rejoins the Alliance, where he served as Deputy Director, and as Assistant Director/Senior Policy Specialist. The Alliance,...
Alliance Thanks Ilir Zherka for his Leadership: Zherka Vacating Executive Director Role after 7 years
“The Alliance is very grateful to Ilir Zherka for his leadership during a uniquely challenging time for the Alliance and the broader exchange community,” said Jennifer Clinton, Chair of the Alliance Board of Directors. Since Zherka joined the Alliance, the community...
Alliance Statement on Ukraine
The Alliance for International Exchange is deeply saddened by the violence in Ukraine today, and we are very concerned about the impact on the Ukrainian people and others in the region from the outbreak of war. For many years, Alliance members have supported...
Afghanistan Task Force
The purpose of this task force is to help members contribute most effectively to supporting at-risk Afghans, especially those who are involved in international education as participants or partners, including human and women’s rights activists, educators, journalists...
Norm Peterson: An Appreciation
We are saddened to report that Norm Peterson, the Alliance’s founding executive director, passed away recently. In 1993, the Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange was born out of a merger between The Liaison Group, led by Norm, and the...
Alliance Statement on Lift of Travel Ban
The Alliance welcomes the news that, starting November 8, the United States will lift the travel ban imposed on 33 nations and admit fully vaccinated foreign air travelers. This is a critical step towards reinvigorating international exchange. The Alliance urges the...
Alliance Supports Joint Statement of Principles on International Education
Washington, DC: The Alliance for International Exchange’s Executive Director, Ilir Zherka, issued the following statement today regarding the Biden Administration’s announcement of a first-ever coordinated national approach on international education. The below may be...
Alliance sends letter to Sec. Blinken from 11 Associations
Washington, DC: The Alliance for International Exchange’s Executive Director, Ilir Zherka, issued the following statement today regarding a letter to Secretary Blinken from 11 associations. The letter urges the Department of State to consider changes regarding the...
COVID-19 Restrictions
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for international exchange programs due to their heavy dependence on travel and people-to-people interactions.