United in Our Passion for Cultural Exchange

The Presidential election in the United States has raised questions and concern about the future of international exchange programs.  We want to assure you that there will be no immediate or dramatic decisions that will affect the existing program.

President-elect Donald Trump will need to first appoint key staff members including a Secretary of State, White House advisors and a leader of The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It will take some time before Trump’s team comes together and any implications to the program begin to emerge.

International Exchange has been supported by both parties and many previous administrations. As a united industry we have worked hard to educate and enlist support of our program, preparing for this possible outcome by making congressional and government allies and establishing strong federal, state and local engagement.  Our belief in the positive and far-reaching benefits of cultural exchange is echoed by many other organizations, interest groups, politicians and government agencies. At the Department of State, supporters of the program will likely remain in their current roles as program advocates and administrators.

We commit to all of you that we will continue to work hard on your behalf and for the program in which we firmly believe.  All of us are passionate about cultural exchange as a way to promote greater understanding between global citizens.  Ours is a program that tears down walls of separation, prejudice, ignorance and division; we do not believe in or support walls of separation.  All of us must unite in this higher purpose of the program and do our part to ensure the principles of education and enlightenment are our legacy outcomes. Our best chance at preserving and growing this program will be by our success achieving these important goals.

We promise to keep you informed of any developments, but do not anticipate any program changes for quite some time.

Sincerely,

Alliance Abroad Group