SUPPORT department of state BridgeUSA PROGRAMs

Good for AmericaNS.
Great for America.

WHO WE ARE & What we stand for

Americans for Cultural Exchange is an organizing initiative of American businesses, chambers of commerce, academic institutions, associations, and community leaders who embrace and support the U.S Department of State’s BridgeUSA programs, including the following program categories:

Summer Work Travel (SWT)
Intern
Trainee
Camp Counselor
Au Pair
Teacher
High School (Secondary School Student)

We’re advocating for strong and continued cultural exchange programs. These programs are a win-win for American diplomacy and security, and for American businesses and local economic development.

The Americans for Cultural Exchange initiative is coordinated by the Alliance for International Exchange and is working to ensure BridgeUSA programs continue to thrive and support America’s diplomatic, national security, and economic interests.

Join Us!

PIEoneer of the Year finalist.png — Americans for Cultural Exchange was selected as a finalist for the 2018 PIEoneer of the Year award, which recognizes innovation and excellence in the field of international education.

The goals of americans for CUltural Exchange

Goal 1

Support, Continue, Expand

Support, continue, and expand U.S. Department of State
BridgeUSA programs.

Goal 2

Engage & Inform

Engage and inform policymakers and the American public about these successful international exchange programs that bring many benefits to American communities and businesses.

Goal 3

Educate Young Americans

Educate young Americans about work and study abroad opportunities.

International students contributed more than $40 billion during the 2022-2023 academic year. Summer Work Travel students contributed $509 million in 2016.

International students at U.S. colleges and universities supported 368,000 jobs during the 2022-2023 academic year.

BridgeUSA Program is funded entirely by the private sector. BridgeUSA exchanges cost the U.S. taxpayer nothing, but generate significant local economic impact.

One in three current world leaders is a Department of State exchange program alum. BridgeUSA participants are students and professionals, future business, political, civil leaders of their countries.

More than 90% of BridgeUSA program alumni have a more positive view of the United States following their program.

Since 2000, more than 6.5 million exchange participants from 110+ countries have experienced American culture and values through BridgeUSA exchanges.

More than 50,000 American businesses, families, camps, and academic institutions around the country host BridgeUSA participants each year.

Authorized in 1961, the BridgeUSA Program (formerly called J-1 Exchange Visitor Program) brings over 300,000 international visitors from 200 countries and territories to the United States each year.