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Programs

Table of Contents


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Sports Diplomacy
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Fulbright Program
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International Visitors Leadership Program

Exchange Programs

A – E Programs
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF)
The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is a funding opportunity that supports collaboration between U.S. government-sponsored exchange program alumni and U.S. missions on small projects that advance U.S. policy goals.
Alumni Portal
The Alumni Portal serves as a secure digital gathering space for exchange alumni, United States government staff, and program partners to form and grow connections and collaborate with one another in support of U.S. foreign policy goals.
American Council of Young Political Leaders (Inbound)
American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) program focuses on increasing knowledge and understanding of political systems and issues in the United States and other countries. International participants visit Washington D.C. and other U.S. cities to meet with government officials, political leaders, elected leaders, policy experts, and members of the business community.
American Council of Young Political Leaders (Outbound)
The American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) program focuses on increasing knowledge and understanding of political systems and issues in the United States and other countries. American participants visit the capital of the target country and other cities to meet with government officials, political leaders, elected leaders, policy experts, and members of the business community.
American English (AE) Resources and Materials
The American English website provides free downloadable resources for English language teachers, including materials related to learning about the United States, using music, games, and art in the English language classroom, teaching the four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), and guidance on professional communication skills.
American Spaces
American Spaces are key touchpoints for millions of people globally, building connections between the United States and communities worldwide. Managed by U.S. embassies, often in partnership with local institutions, American Spaces are strategically aligned to U.S. foreign policy and national security goals.
American Spaces Digital Literacy and Training Program (DLTP)
The American Spaces Digital Literacy and Training Program (DLTP) provides training for overseas staff of American Spaces and for American Spaces audiences of media professionals, information specialists, librarians, educators, and other relevant professionals and citizens, aimed at increasing digital, information and media literacy, building trust, and strengthening understanding abroad of the role of a free and independent media as a pillar of democracy.
Arctic Indigenous Exchange Program (AIEP)
The AIEP aims to promote mutual understanding and lasting partnerships between emerging and mid-level Arctic Indigenous leaders from Canada, Greenland, and the United States. Exchange activities explore areas of regional cooperation across the Arctic and foster greater ties between Arctic Indigenous business communities.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (Gilman) Program provides merit-based scholarships of up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students with high financial need (Pell Grant recipients) to study or intern abroad, equipping them with the international experience, global networks, and foreign language skills to keep the United States strong, secure, and prosperous. The Gilman-McCain Scholarship supports activities for child and spousal dependents of active-duty military members. Supplemental funding is available for Gilman Scholars studying a critical language and/or conducting STEM-related research while overseas.
Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF)
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) brings together 55 youth from Europe and the United States to ensure continued strong relationships and shared values between the two regions for decades to come. Students spend a month exploring leadership and diplomacy through experiential learning. These high school students also experience homestays and cultural activities designed to help them explore the richness of the United States.
Career Connections
Career Connections are professional development seminars designed specifically for U.S. citizen alumni seeking to translate their international experience to professions in the global marketplace. Expert career coaches, professionals from diverse fields, and international leaders discuss their own careers and present on career building, networking, personal branding, and other best practices. Seminars have focused on careers in technology, business and entrepreneurship, AI, and local and federal government. To date, the Office of Alumni Affairs has hosted more than 15 seminars reaching over 1,200 American exchange alumni. Host cities have included Albuquerque, Boston, Charlotte, Denver, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Washington, DC, Raleigh, San Franscisco, and Detroit.
Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund (CDAF)
The Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund is a small-grants competition for U.S. citizen alumni of U.S. government-sponsored or supported exchange programs that offers up to $10,000 to complete policy-inspired community service projects both in the United States and around the globe to increase the effectiveness of Department exchange programming.
Community College Administrator Program (CCAP)
The Community College Administrator Program (CCAP) builds the capacity of higher education systems abroad to develop technical and vocational policies that support increased economic stability and to engage with U.S. counterparts. The four-week program showcases America’s excellence and specialized approach to vocational-technical education, as participants explore educational structures, workforce development, and private sector partnerships. CCAP has been instrumental in shaping vocational training programs worldwide, inspiring the creation of community colleges in Egypt, advancing semiconductor workforce training in Mexico, and contributing to the development of vocational education legislation in Ukraine. These efforts strengthen global educational systems and expand American influence in critical fields with priority economic partners.
Community College Initiative (CCI) Program
The Community College Initiative Program (CCI) advances America’s security and prosperity by addressing global challenges that result in economic instability. The program equips foreign students—many from regions vulnerable to radicalization or illegal immigration—with technical skills in fields of strategic importance to the United States. After completing an academic exchange on a U.S. community college campus, participants return home with improved technical, professional, and entrepreneurial skills, as well as connections to the U.S. These emerging leaders contribute to economic growth and stability, integrating a U.S. perspective into critical industries in strategic partner countries.
Community Engagement Exchange (Inbound)
The Community Engagement Exchange Program is a bold initiative to support passionate emerging community leaders, ages 22-27, working at the nexus of public, private, and non-profit sectors on issues of public concern, in order to improve the quality of community in the United States and around the world.
Community Engagement Exchange (Outbound)
The Community Engagement Exchange Program is a bold initiative to support passionate emerging community leaders, ages 22-27, working at the nexus of public, private, and non-profit sectors on issues of public concern, in order to improve the quality of community in the United States and around the world.
Community Solutions Program (Inbound)
Community Solutions is an executive leadership program to support highly engaged community leaders, ages 27-39, working to address challenges confronting their local communities. Participants are placed in U.S. public institutions, government offices, social incubators, businesses, or non-profit organizations for professional fellowships. Participants work alongside American counterparts, contribute expertise to hosting organizations, volunteer and support American communities, and learn how local organizations tackle pressing issues in ways that either engage or complement the efforts of the public and private sector. American participants travel overseas to collaborate on mutually beneficial initiatives.
Community Solutions Program (Outbound)
Community Solutions is an executive leadership program to support highly engaged community leaders, ages 27-39, working to address challenges confronting their local communities. Participants are placed in U.S. public institutions, government offices, social incubators, businesses, or non-profit organizations for professional fellowships. Participants work alongside American counterparts, contribute expertise to hosting organizations, volunteer and support American communities, and learn how local organizations tackle pressing issues in ways that either engage or complement the efforts of the public and private sector. American participants travel overseas to collaborate on mutually beneficial initiatives.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) (Inbound)
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) is a merit-based scholarship program jointly funded and administered by the governments of the United States and Germany. CBYX provides year-long academic, homestay, and community service opportunities for a total of 600 American and German high school students (ages 15-18.5), recent high school graduates with interests in vocational studies (ages 18-19), and young professionals (ages 18.5-24) annually. The inbound program brings 300 German high school students and young professionals to the United States each year.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) (Outbound)
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) is a merit-based scholarship program jointly funded and administered by the governments of the United States and Germany. CBYX provides year-long academic, homestay, and community service opportunities for a total of 600 American and German high school students (ages 15-18.5), recent high school graduates with interests in vocational studies (ages 18-19), and young professionals (ages 18.5-24) annually. The outbound program sends 300 American high school, vocational, and young professional participants to Germany.
Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange (CBBSX) (Inbound)
The Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange (CBBSX) is a reciprocal exchange that allows 10 American congressional staff and 10 German parliamentary staff to host each other for short trips of 7-10 days. During these trips, staffers learn about the host culture, society, and political institutions from each other.
Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange (CBBSX) (Outbound)
The Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange (CBBSX) is a reciprocal exchange that allows 10 American congressional staff and 10 German parliamentary staff to host each other for short trips of 7-10 days. During these trips, staffers learn about the host culture, society, and political institutions from each other.
Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC)
Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) is a network of academic centers, affiliated with U.S. universities, that serve as resources and venues for U.S. scholars in key regions abroad to pursue research and study and engage with local scholars to share U.S. academic good practices.
Critical Language Scholarship Program (CLS)
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program provides immersive summer programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to learn languages of strategic importance to the United States’ national security and economic prosperity. Participants receive the equivalent of one year of language study in 8-10 week programs, as the CLS Program maximizes language instruction in an intensive environment and provides extracurricular activities that reinforce language learning. Language gains are measured through the administration of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’ Oral Proficiency Interview, which demonstrates that CLS participants gain an average of two sub-levels over the course of the summer program.
CULCON
U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) is a binational advisory panel comprised of U.S. and Japanese representatives from the public and private sectors that serves to elevate and strengthen the cultural and educational foundations of the U.S.-Japan relationship and strengthen connections between U.S. and Japanese leaders.
Cultural Heritage Center
The Cultural Heritage Center leads the Department of State and U.S. Government efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property and preserve cultural heritage. It does this by: negotiating and implementing bilateral cultural property agreements that disrupt illegal trafficking and protect American collectors from inadvertently providing financial support to terrorists and transnational criminal organizations; serving as the chief U.S. negotiator in multilateral cultural forums to advance American interests and defend American free market principles; creating and funding programs that Embassies can leverage to improve diplomatic relations and increase U.S. favorability abroad; and advocating for the return of American heritage to its rightful owners. The Center also leads two interagency bodies (the Cultural Heritage Coordinating Committee and the Cultural Antiquities Task Force) and manages the Cultural Property Advisory Committee, appointed by the President.
Cultural Programs – American Film Showcase
American Film Showcase (AFS) exemplifies America’s creative leadership by harnessing the transformative power of film, television, and gaming to showcase American innovation and production excellence. Through workshops and masterclasses led by American industry experts, AFS introduces international participants to the standards of American creativity. This initiative reinforces America’s position as a global leader in the entertainment industry. Additionally, AFS curates a selection of pertinent American films for U.S. Missions to feature in screening programs for audiences abroad, further promoting America’s cultural influence and leadership on the world stage.
Cultural Programs – American Music Abroad
American Music Abroad is the U.S. government’s flagship musical exchange program, reaching audiences in more than 20 countries each year. Bands from across the United States compete to participate in 1-3 week, multi-country music and education tours hosted by U.S. embassies and consulates.
Cultural Programs – American Music Mentorship Program
American Music Mentorship Program: Partnership with the Recording Academy to strengthen the creative economy through the American Music Mentorship Program industry leaders. The program connects mid-career music industry professionals from the United States and abroad with unparalleled mentorship and networking opportunities with U.S. music industry leaders.
Cultural Programs – Arts Envoy
The on demand Arts Envoy program responds to requests from U.S. embassies and consulates to bring American artists and arts professionals overseas for short-term cultural exchanges, both in-person and virtually. Art envoys come from communities across the United States and represent a wide range of genres and fields, including visual arts, performing arts, literature, design, film, and culinary arts.
Cultural Programs – Global Media Makers
Global Media Makers (GMM) exemplifies America’s commitment to creative leadership by connecting influential mid-career international film and television professionals with U.S. entertainment industry experts. Through a multi-week residency, GMM facilitates access to American creative methods and industry standards, enhances technical skills, and builds the foundations for lasting professional networks. By connecting these groups of professionals, GMM creates opportunities and access for American filmmakers and producers in key international markets.
Cultural Programs – Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC)
The Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) agreement is a resource that permits posts to screen films and TV shows, covered by the license, in support of public diplomacy programming efforts.
Cultural Programs – Next Level (Inbound)
Next Level is music diplomacy program that sends selected multidisciplinary teams of U.S. hip-hop artists abroad to implement residencies and teach works focused skill building, music production and entrepreneurship skills to young people in priority countries. Two participants from each of the overseas residency countries are selected by Next Level staff and posts, and participate in a two-week professional development program in Washington D.C. and New York City.
Cultural Programs – Next Level (Outbound)
Next Level is music entrepreneurship program that expands global markets and sends selected U.S. hip-hop artists abroad to conduct residencies and teach workshops on music making and music production to young people in priority countries. Working with posts, Next Level sends multi-disciplinary teams of 4 U.S. hip hop artists to implement each residency. The teams leave music-making equipment with a school or NGO in each country and train a local artist to continue teaching workshops.
Cultural Programs – Venice Biennale
Working with ECA and Mission Italy, the grantee organization designs and implements the official U.S. exhibition for the U.S. Pavilion during the Venice Art and Architecture Biennales. The grantee also plans and presents substantial educational and public outreach programming and events in Venice.
Digital Connections Program
The Digital Connections Program supports Digital Communication Network (DCN Global) activities while aiming to foster networks, promote resilient information ecosystems, and advance U.S. technological leadership globally through virtual and in-person rapid response programming. DCN Global is a network of more than 20,000 digital technology and communications practitioners that aims to promote digital literacy and the use of transformational technologies to foster innovation and participation in a globally connected digital ecosystem.
EducationUSA
EducationUSA, a global network of more than 400 U.S. educational advising centers in over 170 countries and territories, works to maintain the United States as the top host nation of international students, who in 2023 contributed $50 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 378,000 U.S. jobs (according to the U.S. Department of Commerce). International students are future partners in business, science, and diplomacy, whose U.S. connections will strengthen U.S. national security and prosperity.
English Access Scholarship Program
The English Access Scholarship Program provides English language instruction, teacher training, and professional development to key audiences identified by U.S. embassies. By equipping participants with skills critical to workforce readiness and civic engagement, the program promotes economic self-reliance, reinforces American principles, and strengthens long-term partnerships with the United States.
English: Online Professional English Network (OPEN)
The Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program engages English language teachers, learners, and professionals worldwide through university-level online courses, live events, and social media, offering professional development opportunities for English language teaching and teacher training.
English Language Fellow Program
The English Language Fellow Program builds English language capacity globally. The program sends experienced U.S. English Language educators on ten-month exchanges to teach English and conduct teacher training abroad, delivering U.S. English language pedagogical expertise worldwide.
English Language Specialist Program
English Language Specialists fulfill priorities of U.S. embassies to carry out quality English language programs overseas and promote mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries. U.S. embassies propose English Language Specialist projects, which may include teacher training, curriculum, and textbook development, English for Specific Purposes skills development, or online course development.
English Language Virtual Educator Program
The Virtual English Language Educator Program carries out online exchanges of highly qualified U.S. educators in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, in locations around the world, in support of public diplomacy efforts and U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) – Ambassadors Fund for Summer Work Travel (AFSWT)
The AFSWT program is designed to increase participation from foreign university students in countries that are not traditional senders of SWT participants. Scholarship recipients are matched with host employers in seasonal communities across the U.S., where they work in entry-level jobs with high levels of interaction with Americans during their summer vacations.

F – M Programs
Fulbright Program
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided merit-based awards for international educational exchange for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, and artists to study, teach, or conduct research both abroad and in the United States. Fostering mutual understanding, this program strengthens global education and promotes international peace and prosperity.
Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program
The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program places early career educators as FLTAs at U.S. colleges and universities — improving U.S. students’ foreign language abilities. U.S. institutions of higher education can apply to host FLTAs in one of over 30 languages.
Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board establishes policies and procedures that govern the Fulbright program. These guidelines cover Fulbright program planning, participation, activities, and fundraising guidelines.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports graduate students, early career professionals, and artists from abroad to research and study in the United States for one year or longer at U.S. universities or other educational institutions.
Fulbright International Education Administrators Program
The Fulbright International Education Administrators Awards provide international education professionals and senior higher education officials an opportunity to engage in a two-week intensive seminar to learn about a host country’s education system and establish professional networks of U.S. and international colleagues.
Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program
The Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence (SIR) Program supports U.S. institutions of higher education to host an international scholar for a semester or academic year. SIRs teach courses, assist in curriculum development, guest lecture, develop study abroad and exchange partnerships, and engage with the campus and the local community.
Fulbright Specialist Program
The Fulbright Specialist Program sends experienced U.S. faculty and professionals abroad to serve as short-term expert consultants and engage in educational activities, facilitated by U.S. embassies or Fulbright commissions. Specialists are hosted by overseas institutions, including institutions of higher education, government agencies, cultural organizations, non-governmental organizations, and medical institutions.
Fulbright Teacher Exchanges
Fulbright Teacher Exchange Programs provide American and foreign teachers with the skills to enhance students’ success, improve education systems, and build both the teachers’ and students’ knowledge of the U.S. and other societies. Through international exchanges, the programs provide professional development for primary and secondary (K–12) teachers and administrators. Participating educators represent the United States and approximately 80 countries worldwide.
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program provides fellowships for U.S. scholars (faculty level) and experienced professionals to approximately 130 countries, where they lecture and conduct research in a wide ranged academic and professional fields. Postdoctoral candidates may apply for postdoctoral awards.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides fellowships for new U.S. college graduates, graduate students, early career professionals, and artists to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.
Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program
The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program provides fellowships to foreign scholars (faculty level) to conduct advanced research or teach at U.S. institutions for periods ranging from an academic semester to an academic year.
Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program
FLEX is a competitive, merit-based scholarship program for high school students (ages 15-18) from Europe and Eurasia to study in the United States for an academic year and live with a volunteer host family, exposing participants to American culture and values and cultivating their lifelong affinity for the United States.
Future Leaders Exchange Abroad (FLEX Abroad)
FLEX Abroad is a competitive, merit-based scholarship program for U.S. high school students and recent graduates (ages 15-18) to study for an academic year and live with a host family in Europe and Eurasia; it develops the cultural, linguistic, and leadership skills of American youth, making them more competitive in the workforce.
German American Partnership Program (GAPP)
The German American Partnership Program (GAPP) supports school partnerships and exchanges between high schools in the United States and secondary schools in Germany.
Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP)
Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) is a mentorship-based exchange that brings emerging and established sports leaders from around the world to the United States for a five-week mentorship with top executives in the American sports sector. There are two program tracks: 1) Women in Sports, a public-private partnership with espnW, and 2) Sport for Community, disability rights in sports.
Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program supports international undergraduate student leaders from around the world to participate in a one semester academic exchange program on campuses across the U.S. During the exchange, they take academic coursework, improve their English language skills, take courses in U.S. studies/American history, participate in professional development activities, and volunteer in local communities.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Humphrey Fellowship Program, a Fulbright exchange, enhances leadership among influential global leaders, strengthening cooperation that advances U.S. interests in strategic fields. Humphrey Fellows are foreign mid-career professionals, nominated by U.S. embassies and Fulbright commissions in countries where the U.S. seeks to deepen partnerships and influence policy in strategic areas. Through an academic year of graduate-level study and professional experiences at U.S. host universities in multi-national thematic cohorts, Humphrey Fellows gain skills needed to stabilize communities, advance U.S. foreign policy interests, and build a stronger, more prosperous world.
IDEAS Program
The IDEAS Program provides small grants, trainings, and resources to U.S. higher education institutions to increase their capacity to administer international programs for U.S. students in fields such as entrepreneurship, economic development, technology, and innovation. The IDEAS Program increases the number of U.S. students gaining international experiences and expands the destinations where they study abroad.
International Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue (Hollings Center)
The Hollings Center is an independent non-profit organization that was created by the U.S. Congress to convene participants in activities that foster dialogue among the people of the United States and countries with significant Muslim populations on topics connected to U.S. foreign policy priorities.
International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI)
The International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI) is a 10-day reciprocal (two-way) exchange program that promotes coaching and administrative skills, creates connections with U.S. sports organizations, and empowers youth development professionals to create effective sports-based initiatives in their home countries. The theme and sport of each exchange is chosen by U.S. embassies and consulates to strategically advance U.S. foreign policy goals defined by the Administration within the host country context.
International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) advances U.S. national security priorities and builds long-term relationships between Americans and international leaders in government, business, academia, and other fields through short-term professional exchanges that strengthen American communities.
Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP)
IYLEP provides Iraqi youth with leadership training and cultural exchange opportunities in the United States to promote mutual understanding and civic engagement.
J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative
This initiative uses virtual exchange programs to connect youth in the United States with peers in the Middle East and North Africa, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)
YES is a competitive, merit-based scholarship program for high school students (ages 15-18) from countries of strategic importance to study in the United States for an academic year and live with a volunteer host family, exposing participants to American culture and values and cultivating their lifelong affinity for the United States.
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad)
YES Abroad is a competitive, merit-based scholarship program for U.S. high school students and recent graduates (ages 15-18) to study for an academic year and live with a host family in countries of strategic importance around the world; it develops the cultural, linguistic, and leadership skills of American youth, making them more competitive in the workforce.
Leaders Lead On-Demand Program (Inbound)
This program offers customized, short-term exchanges for foreign leaders to visit the United States and engage with their American counterparts.
Leaders Lead On-Demand Program (Outbound)
This program supports short-term exchanges for American leaders to travel abroad and engage with their counterparts in other countries.
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Department’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). The program brings young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for six-week cohort-based Leadership Institutes held on college and university campuses in the summer. The Institutes promote American excellence through academic study, community service, networking with U.S. leaders, and collaboration with local citizens. Following the Institutes, a subset of Fellows remain in the United States for a four-week professional development experience.
Mansfield Fellowship Program
The Mansfield Fellowship Program builds a corps of U.S. federal government employees with proficiency in Japanese language and firsthand knowledge of Japanese economic, cultural, political, and strategic dimensions of the U.S-Japan relationship. Participants are placed in Japanese government offices to work on projects of mutual interest and foster a professional network within the Japanese government. Program alumni have the skills, contacts, and expertise to facilitate the U.S. government’s work on Japan-related programs and policies.
MentorTalks
MentorTalks is a monthly interactive digital interview series produced by the Office of Alumni Affairs in which prominent and emerging leader alumni provide mentorship and career advice to fellow exchange alumni based on the impact of their exchange experience.

N – S Programs
National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE)
NCDE provides information, resources, and support to organizations and individuals to provide people with disabilities with full access to participation in international exchange programs.
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
NSLI-Y provides scholarship programs for American high school students to study critical languages abroad and virtually to increase the number of American youth with linguistic and cultural skills necessary for U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.
National Youth Science Camp
Each summer ECA funding supports participation of 13 high school students from the Western Hemisphere in the National Youth Science Camp in West Virginia. These students explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) alongside with 102 U.S. participants (2 from each state and DC). The program provides youth with mentors and inspires lifelong engagement and ethical leadership in STEAM fields.
On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (ODYLP)
ODYLP offers customized, short-term exchanges for young leaders from around the world to visit the United States and develop their leadership skills. The exchanges take place in various communities throughout the United States and include homestays and volunteer opportunities. Upon their return home, participants apply what they have learned to implement projects that serve needs in their communities.
Online Professional English Network (OPEN)
The Online Professional English Network (OPEN) utilizes innovations in U.S. educational technology to facilitate U.S. diplomatic engagement with English language teachers, learners, and professionals worldwide. OPEN offers online courses, live events, and social media engagements that provide professional development opportunities for English language educators, professionals, and learners.
Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP)
Youth Ambassadors Africa (formerly Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program—PAYLP) offers approximately 100 high school students and educators from Sub-Saharan African countries the opportunity to explore the themes of civic education, entrepreneurship, and youth leadership development through three-week exchanges in the United States. Since the program began in 2014, over 1200 youth and adult educators have participated. The exchanges take place in various communities throughout the United States and include homestays and volunteer opportunities. Upon their return home, participants apply what they have learned to implement projects that serve needs in their communities.
Partners of the Americas (Inbound)
Partners of the Americas (Partners) provides travel grants for participants to travel to Latin America, the Caribbean, or the United States, and small project grants to implement community development initiatives.
Partners of the Americas (Outbound)
Partners of the Americas (Partners) provides travel grants for participants to travel to Latin America, the Caribbean, or the United States, and small project grants to implement community development initiatives.
Professional Fellows Program- AF Economic Empowerment
The Professional Fellows Program provides support to U.S. non-profit organizations to conduct international exchanges that promote U.S. foreign policy by strengthening global engagement with emerging leaders in areas of strategic importance for the U.S. Department of State.
Professional Fellows Program – Civic Engagement – EAP – NCUSCR (Inbound)
The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is a two-way, global exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, as well as build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States. PFP participants, from the countries of China, Mongolia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, are placed in intensive 5-6 week fellowships in non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the United States for an individually tailored professional development experience. They build a broad network with American and other program participant colleagues as they develop a deeper understanding of U.S. society. The PFP is a two-way exchange, with American participants who have hosted foreign fellows traveling overseas for participant-driven reciprocal programs.
Professional Fellows Program – Civic Engagement – EAP – NCUSCR (Outbound)
The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is a two-way, global exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, as well as build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States. PFP participants, from the countries of China, Mongolia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, are placed in intensive 5-6 week fellowships in non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the United States for an individually tailored professional development experience. They build a broad network with American and other program participant colleagues as they develop a deeper understanding of U.S. society. The PFP is a two-way exchange, with American participants who have hosted foreign fellows traveling overseas for participant-driven reciprocal programs.
Professional Fellows Program – Economic Empowerment – EAP – Cultural Vistas (Inbound)
The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is a two-way, global exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, as well as build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States. PFP participants, from the countries of Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna, are placed in intensive 5-6 week fellowships in non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the United States for an individually tailored professional development experience. They build a broad network with American and other program participant colleagues as they develop a deeper understanding of U.S. society. The PFP is a two-way exchange, with American participants who have hosted foreign fellows traveling overseas for participant-driven reciprocal programs.
Professional Fellows Program – EUR Governance and Society (Inbound)
The Professional Fellows Program incubates and accelerates the capacity of emerging leaders in participating EUR countries to foster more participatory and inclusive governance and promote open markets. The five-week, U.S.-based exchange will provide participants opportunities to enhance professional skills, develop new approaches to solving problems, and build lasting and sustainable relationships between participants and their host communities.
Professional Fellows Program – Inclusive Civic Engagement – UMass Boston (Inbound)
The Professional Fellows Program provides support to U.S. non-profit organizations to conduct international exchanges that promote U.S. foreign policy by strengthening global engagement with emerging leaders in areas of strategic importance for the U.S. Department of State. The Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement supports mid-career professionals from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda who are committed to advancing inclusive employment for individuals with disabilities. The outbound program will select appx eight US fellows to travel to their fellow’s home community to support their civic engagement and disability rights work.
Professional Fellows Program – NEA Economic Empowerment Legacy International (Outbound)
The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is a two-way, global exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, as well as build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States. PFP participants, from the countries of Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, are placed in intensive 5-6 week fellowships in non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the United States for an individually tailored professional development experience. They build a broad network with American and other program participant colleagues as they develop a deeper understanding of U.S. society. The PFP is a two-way exchange, with American participants who have hosted foreign fellows traveling overseas for participant-driven reciprocal programs.
Professional Fellows Program – SCA Governance and Society – World Learning
The Professional Fellows Program provides support to U.S. non-profit organizations to conduct international exchanges that promote U.S. foreign policy by strengthening global engagement with emerging leaders in areas of strategic importance for the U.S. Department of State including economic statecraft, human rights, and the rule of law. Legacy International conducts a four-part, two-way Economic Empowerment Program for approximately 52 participants, consisting of 38 emerging leaders in Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia; and approximately 14 U.S. professionals. The program goal is to provide participants with knowledge of leadership practices, innovations in management, and best business practices, with a focus on economic empowerment strategies. Two groups of U.S. participants then travel overseas to spend approximately two weeks (14 days) working with their foreign counterparts in their workplaces and communities.
Professional Fellows Program – WHA Economic Empowerment – ICFJ
The Professional Fellows Program provides support to U.S. non-profit organizations to conduct international exchanges that promote U.S. foreign policy by strengthening global engagement with emerging leaders in areas of strategic importance for the U.S. Department of State. The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) conducts a four-part, two-way Economic Empowerment Program for approximately 48 professionals, consisting of approximately 36 emerging leaders who are media professionals in Latin America and approximately 12 U.S. professionals.
Professional Fellows Program – WHA Economic Empowerment – ITD (Inbound)
The Professional Fellows Program provides support to U.S. non-profit organizations to conduct international exchanges that promote U.S. foreign policy by strengthening global engagement with emerging leaders in areas of strategic importance for the U.S. Department of State. A total of 24 foreign Fellows will participate in a four-week placement with organizations in Texas, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Washington D.C. A total of eight U.S. Fellows will participate in the program.
Sister Cities International
Sister Cities International (SCI) is a grassroots citizen diplomacy network of partner cities in the United States and cities worldwide, designs and implements domestic and international meetings and events for member capacity building and networking, and regional summits; develops and maintains resources for SCI members and partners including toolkits, crisis communication strategies, membership directory, and webinars; collaborates with the U.S. Department of State and guides Department officials through the process for establishing new sister city partnerships; engages current and emerging leaders with programs such as the Youth Leadership Summit and special initiatives such as “7 for 70” for the Pacific Islands.
Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program (SEAYLP) [see Youth Ambassadors EAP]
The Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program (SEAYLP), empowers youth and strengthens people-to-people ties among high school-aged students, cultivating a more cohesive community identity in both the United States and Southeast Asia. The program brings 60 high school students and adult mentors from the 10 ASEAN member countries together with 15 American high school students for a three-week U.S.-based exchange program focused on leadership, youth development, and the shared challenges faced by the United States and ASEAN member countries.
Sports Envoy Program
The Sports Envoy Program sends pairs of current and former American professional athletes and coaches overseas to share lessons learned on and off the playing field with youth and vulnerable populations through such activities as school visits, youth clinics, and teambuilding activities. Sports Envoy programs allow U.S. embassies and consulates to design strategic sports programming that promotes U.S. foreign policy objectives at the grassroots level, develops sustainable local partners, and connects the American sports sector with international audiences.
Sports Visitor Program
The Sports Visitor Program is a sports-based exchange that builds ties between international and American non-elite youth athletes and their coaches and cultivates participants’ leadership skills to utilize the lessons from sport to positively impact their communities across the globe.
Study Abroad Engagement Grants
USA Study Abroad provides small grants to U.S. embassies and Fulbright Commissions to support activities that will expand international academic partnerships and support U.S. undergraduate students studying abroad in locations around the world.
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Scholars and Secondary Educators
The Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Scholars and Secondary Educators bring together foreign university faculty and educators from all world regions to participate in 5-to-6-week academic seminars at U.S. universities on topics in U.S. studies, to strengthen understanding and teaching about the U.S. abroad.
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders
The Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders bring together undergraduate students from all world regions to participate in five-week academic seminars at U.S. universities on topics in U.S. studies. The Institutes include academic sessions, an integrated field experience, leadership training, community service, and opportunities to interact with Americans.

T – Z Programs
Tibetan Scholarship Program
The Tibetan Scholarship Program supports talented young Tibetans from the refugee communities in India and Nepal to pursue graduate degrees at U.S. institutions in fields that contribute to their home communities.
U.S. Congress-Republic of Korea National Assembly Exchange Program (Inbound)
The U.S. Congress – Republic of Korea (ROK) National Assembly Exchange Program supports U.S. foreign policy goals by strengthening people-to-people ties between the United States and the Republic of Korea, an important ally. The ROK participants spend approximately two weeks in the United States on a program designed by Meridian International Center.
U.S. Congress-Republic of Korea National Assembly Exchange Program (Outbound)
The U.S. Congress – Republic of Korea (ROK) National Assembly Exchange Program supports U.S. foreign policy goals by strengthening people-to-people ties between the United States and the Republic of Korea, an important ally.
U.S. Exchange Alumni Fellowship
The new U.S. Exchange Alumni Fellowship is an opportunity for U.S. citizen alumni of U.S. government funded exchange programs to develop local and regional alumni networks throughout the United States. Fellows are expected to champion the importance of international exchanges in advancing U.S. policy goals and inspire local communities to apply to and participate in exchange opportunities. Fellows will organize and implement event programming, share opportunities for outreach and professional development, and amplify other ways to engage with the State Department.
U.S. South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP)
The U.S. South Pacific Scholarship Program supports merit-based scholarships to students from sovereign island nations of the South Pacific for U.S. degree study in fields important for the development of the region.
U.S. Speaker Program
The U.S. Speaker Program recruits dynamic American citizen experts to engage foreign professional audiences worldwide on topics of strategic importance to the United States. Programs are conducted in person and through virtual engagement platforms.
U.S.-Timor-Leste Scholarship Program (USTL)
The U.S.-Timor-Leste Scholarship Program supports merit-based scholarships for students from Timor-Leste to study in the United States. Students participate in intensive English-language training and degree study in fields relevant to Timor-Leste’s development.
Workshop for Youth Leaders in English Teaching (WYLET)
WYLET provides funding for annual workshops to train 30 competitively selected students participating in the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programs in classroom management and basic pedagogical skills to teach English upon their return to their home countries. Extensive post-workshop support is provided, including a competitive small grants program, to assist students in initiating English programs.
Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program (Outbound)
Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative brings entrepreneurs from Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean to the United States to collaborate with business counterparts, advance their entrepreneurial ventures, build and share professional skills, and contribute to the economic development of both their home and U.S. host communities. Up to 70 U.S. hosts subsequently visit their fellows in-country to strengthen the professional relationship and expand their own network and markets abroad.
Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellows Program (YSEALI AFP)
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program brings undergraduates or recent graduates ages 18-25 to the United States for five-week programs focusing on the themes of civic engagement, innovation and entrepreneurship, natural resources, and society and governance. The Fellowship includes an academic residency, community service activities, and academic field experience.
Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Program
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Program is a two-way U.S. Department of State exchange program designed to strengthen people-to-people ties between young leaders from Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and the United States. Through intensive fellowships designed to broaden their professional expertise and enhance their leadership capabilities, the YSEALI Professional Fellows Program provides emerging Southeast Asian leaders with the opportunity to gain first-hand experiences in, and exposure to, U.S. public and private sector offices working in the areas of civic engagement; innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment; society and governance, and sustainability and the environment.
Youth Ambassadors Africa (YA-AF)
Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship Program (Inbound)
The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship Program brings approximately 50 emerging business and social entrepreneurs (ages 25-35) from across Europe and Eurasia to the U.S. for a five-week program to collaborate with counterparts in businesses, enhance entrepreneurship and leadership skills, and build lasting partnerships between business leaders from Europe and the United States.
Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship Program (Outbound)
The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship Program brings approximately 50 emerging business and social entrepreneurs (ages 25-35) from across Europe and Eurasia to the U.S. for a five-week program to collaborate with counterparts in businesses, enhance entrepreneurship and leadership skills, and build lasting partnerships between business leaders from Europe and the United States. Up to 20 U.S. hosts will travel to Europe to support a regional summit and work with their fellows in their workplaces and communities.
Youth Ambassadors East Asia and Pacific Islands (YA-EAP)
The Youth Ambassadors East Asia and Pacific Islands (YA-EAP) program provides high school aged youth and adult educators the opportunity to examine civic education, leadership development, and community engagement alongside American peers through a short term exchange in the United States. The exchanges take place in host communities and include homestays and volunteer opportunities. Upon their return home, participants apply what they have learned to serve needs in their communities.
Youth Ambassadors Europe (YA-EUR)
The Youth Ambassadors Europe (YA-EUR) program provides college aged youth from critical countries in Europe the opportunity to examine civic education and leadership development through a short term exchange in the United States. The exchanges take place in host communities and include homestays and volunteer opportunities. Upon their return home, participants apply what they have learned to serve needs in their communities.
Youth Ambassadors Middle East and North Africa (YA-NEA)
The Youth Ambassadors Middle East and North Africa (YA-NEA) program provides high school aged youth and adult educators from Algeria and Iraq the opportunity to examine civic education, leadership development, and community engagement alongside American peers through a short term exchange in the United States. The exchanges take place in host communities and include homestays and volunteer opportunities. Upon their return home, participants apply what they have learned to serve needs in their communities.
Youth Ambassadors Western Hemisphere (YA-WHA) Inbound Program
The Youth Ambassadors Western Hemisphere Program (YA-WHA) provides high school aged youth and adult educators the opportunity to examine civic education, leadership development, and community engagement through a short term exchange in the United States. The exchanges take place in host communities and include homestays and volunteer opportunities. Upon their return home, participants apply what they have learned to serve needs in their communities.
Youth Ambassadors Western Hemisphere (YA-WHA) Outbound Program
The Youth Ambassadors Program sends American high school students and adult educators to select countries in Central and South America for exchanges that promote mutual understanding through leadership development, civic education, and community service. These students serve as citizen ambassadors and develop long term relationships with their peers and host community leaders. Upon their return home, the participants apply what they learn to design and implement projects that serve needs in their communities.


Fulbright