Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State

01/24/2025

Education has the power to connect us all, transcending borders, cultures, and backgrounds. 🌍 On International Day of Education, we celebrate initiatives like American English for Educators, which plays a crucial role in bringing people together through language.

By offering interactive online resources and comprehensive teacher training, American English for Educators helps students and educators worldwide strengthen their English skills, opening doors to new opportunities.

Together, we build a more connected, informed, and empathetic world through education, and American English fosters global collaboration and understanding, which bolsters America's leadership, security, and prosperity. 🌏✨

Explore and learn more about how is making a global impact fostering international collaboration:

American English is a website for teachers and learners of English as a foreign language abroad.

01/23/2025

Are you ready to shape the future of U.S. diplomacy?!

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program is accepting applications for the 2025 Rangel Summer Enrichment Program. This opportunity provides undergraduate students with an appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, an understanding of career opportunities in the field, and enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. Through this program you can:

🔹 Complete two for credit courses (History of U.S. Foreign Relation and U.S. Political Economy) and a writing seminar

🔹 Meetings with government and NGO professionals to discuss international policy issues and career options

🔹 Participate in professional development sessions

The deadline is February 5th

Start your journey toward a career in public service today: https://rangelprogram.org/summer-enrichment-program/application-requirements/

01/22/2025

Cultural preservation is vital for protecting our shared history and, by safeguarding artifacts, we ensure future generations can connect with and learn from the achievements and traditions of past civilizations.

The return of 22 priceless Okinawan artifacts lost during World War II marks a significant achievement in cultural heritage preservation and cultural property repatriation. A 2000 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) led to close collaboration between cultural heritage experts from Okinawa and American officials to locate, verify, and safely return these historical treasures. This effort highlights the value of cross-cultural dialogue and diplomacy in protecting shared global heritage.

These artifacts, which include portraits of Ryukyu kings and a rare 19th-century map, were returned to Okinawa after more than seven decades. This effort was supported by various U.S. and Japanese agencies, including the FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smithsonian, and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) ensuring the artifacts' safe journey home.

Learn more about this remarkable story of recovery, cooperation, and cultural diplomacy here: https://statemag.state.gov/2025/01/0125feat01/

01/20/2025

Service is a powerful force for change. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed everyone has a role in creating a just society, and that serving others is crucial. As we reflect on his legacy today, we’re reminded that access to education is one of the greatest forms of service.

By volunteering as a tutor, supporting after-school programs, donating books, or advocating for better schools, you can significantly impact the lives of others. Every action—no matter how small—contributes to the larger goal of educational equity.

01/17/2025

King Day of Service brings Dr. King's call for justice, equality, and compassion into meaningful action. It's a reminder that each of us has the power to create positive change through acts of kindness and service. This day helps unite and strengthen communities, fostering a culture of giving and collective responsibility.

Whether volunteering at a National Park, organizing a food or clothing drive, or helping local organizations, there are countless ways to serve. Check out ideas and opportunities here: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/

01/16/2025

At the heart of American diplomacy is people. Over the last four years, our people-to-people ties have strengthened the United States’ standing in the world and created a more secure homeland for the American people. Watch and learn more about how we brought people together and demonstrated global American leadership – from international education and English language learning to sports and music to professional exchanges to cultural heritage – both at home and abroad.

01/16/2025

The Digital Communication Network (DCN) Global empowers the next generation of global voices, driving change through its network of 10,000+ digital communicators and influencers to promote resilient information ecosystems.

In DCN Global’s recent Unlocking Media Literacy virtual training series, approximately 350 participants from 24 African countries—representing primary and secondary schools, universities, libraries, and other educational organizations—learned how to integrate media literacy into their curriculum and teaching practices. Participants gained critical skills and knowledge to promote information integrity and counter foreign information manipulation through modules that combine theory with practical exercises, case studies, and interactive discussions.

01/15/2025

The Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative promotes the values of nonviolence, justice, and human rights, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It ensures that these transformative ideas continue to inspire future generations. Through the program, students like 2023 participant Zharia Lankford from Stillman College discover their leadership potential while exploring these philosophies.

During her journey, Zharia gained fresh perspectives on the lives of the figures she had long admired. While in India, she was amazed by the community’s access to fresh food, which sparked her interest in bringing similar resources to communities across the United States. This experience has been a turning point for Zharia, deepening her commitment to social change and community empowerment.

Read more about Zharia’s journey: https://stillman.edu/2024/03/discovering-leadership-and-global-insights/

📸: Zharia Lankford

01/14/2025

Dance transcends borders, using rhythm and movement as universal languages to foster understanding and unity across cultures. From the community of Ceilândia, Brazil, to the world stage, B-boy Samuka is proving that true strength comes from within. After losing his leg in his teens, Samuka poured his energy into breaking, finding power in movement, and pushing past every limit.

His work with Next Level Team Brazil in 2016 and with Next Level Team Argentina in 2022 helped to catapult him to becoming a fierce competitor, skilled dancer and member of the iconic ILL-abilities crew. Samuka has shared his passion for dance to over 20 countries, won international competitions, and amazed millions as a quarterfinalist on America’s Got Talent season 20.

As a 2024 Paralympian, he continues to use dance to challenge boundaries and inspire us all to embrace the power of our unique abilities. Check out B-boy Samuka’s electrifying performance at the 2024 Paralympics with ILL-Abilities:

01/13/2025

The Venice Biennale is a cornerstone of contemporary architecture, showcasing groundbreaking designs that challenge conventions and shape the future of the built environment.

Get your project featured at the U.S. Pavilion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale. The deadline is quickly approaching.

Submit your application by January 17th @ 12pm EST

The U.S. Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia will explore the theme “PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity,” celebrating the porch as a quintessential American architectural space. With its unique ability to foster connection and resilience, the “PORCH” serves as a powerful site for community.

PORCH's Organizers (Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and Design Connects) invite architects, designers, artists, nonprofits, public agencies, and individuals across the U.S. and its territories to submit built projects that reflect this iconic typology. The pavilion will feature at least 50 participants, showcasing projects that span scales, geographies, and histories.

Submission Details:
📍Who: Architects, designers, artists, nonprofits, public agencies, and individuals based in the U.S. or its territories.
📍What: Relevant projects completed after the year 2000 with artistic and architectural merit.
📍When: Submissions are open now through January 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST. Exhibit selections will be announced on February 3, 2025, with the U.S. Pavilion debuting on May 10, 2025.
📍Where: Visit porchusavenice2025.org/open-call to view the complete guidelines and submission portal.


La Biennale di Venezia

01/10/2025

Next Level bridges hip-hop and diplomacy, igniting positive change worldwide! The Level program connects Hip Hop artists from around the world, empowering artists to inspire peace and understanding. This U.S. Department of State initiative allows artists to lead workshops, collaborate internationally, and perform in diverse communities. 🌎✨

If you’re a U.S.-based, dancer, beatmaker, or aerosol artist looking to make a global impact, this program is for you. It’s more than just an opportunity to perform—it’s a chance to be a part of something bigger: a worldwide movement for positive change through Hip Hop.

Deadline: Jan 31 at 11:59 PM EST.

Apply now at: https://www.nextlevel-usa.org/apply-2

01/10/2025

“Traveling abroad showed me that the world needs you. Sometimes you can’t find what you’re looking for because YOU haven’t done it yet. It’s OK to be the first!” – Rosalina Macon, Gilman-McCain Scholar, Austria and United Kingdom, 2025

From North Carolina A&T University to the vibrant cities of London and Vienna, Rosalina Macon transformed her education as a Gilman-McCain Scholar. She learned different perspectives on psychology and health systems, and returned with a deep commitment to global education. 🌏

Are you ready to kickstart your adventure? The Gilman International Scholarship Program could be your gateway to an unforgettable study abroad experience. 🌍 Don’t let this chance pass you by! Applications for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship close TODAY: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/program/gilman-mccain-scholarships/ #1653502262250-2d3dbf19-b4b7

01/09/2025

01/08/2025

READY for a global adventure?! Are you an undergraduate child or spouse of an active-duty service member? Then, the Gilman-McCain Scholarship could be a great opportunity for you. 🌍

With $5K awards, you could study or intern abroad, gaining invaluable experiences to boost your academic and career goals.

⏰ Deadline: January 9 at 11:59 PM—don’t miss this incredible opportunity. Apply now and make your mark on the world: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/program/gilman-mccain-scholarships/ #1653502262250-2d3dbf19-b4b7

Gilman International Scholarship Program

01/07/2025

Today’s your last day to apply for TechWomen—the global program that connects women in tech for mentorship and leadership growth. Don’t wait!

Apply NOW and take your career to the next level. 💻🌍 https://www.techwomen.org/participants/eligibility-and-application

TechWomen supports women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and diverse tech landscape. Through mentorship, skill-building, and global networking, the program helps women reach their full potential and make a lasting impact in the STEM industries.

If this sounds like the opportunity you've been waiting for, don't wait any longer. Take the next step in your STEM career and join a global network of inspiring women.

Apply by January 7th!

https://www.techwomen.org/participants/eligibility-and-application

01/06/2025

What's another way to thaw the ice? Sports Diplomacy!

The U.S. Department of State believes Ice Hockey can unite cultures and foster global dialogue one game at a time. Sports Envoy Molly Schaus is a two-time Olympic silver medalist and a four-time International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Champion. 🏒

Molly served as a Sports Envoy in Latvia, where she led sports clinics for underserved youth, facilitated roundtable conversations about leadership with young female athletes, promoted the development of para-hockey, and advanced diversity and inclusion goals through a shared love of hockey. Now she dedicates her time to coaching youth hockey and creating opportunities for the next generation of Olympians as an Athlete Fellow for . Her story is a powerful example of how sports diplomacy opens doors, builds bridges, and creates global leaders.

Sports Diplomacy - U.S. Department of State

Photo credit: Tom Dahlin/Getty Images

01/03/2025

01/03/2025

TechWomen supports women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and diverse tech landscape. Through mentorship, skill-building, and global networking, the program helps women reach their full potential and make a lasting impact in the STEM industries.

If this sounds like the opportunity you've been waiting for, don't wait any longer. Take the next step in your STEM career and join a global network of inspiring women.

Apply by January 7th!

https://www.techwomen.org/participants/eligibility-and-application