Prime Highlights :
- Boozman called exchange programmes one of America’s most effective diplomatic tools.
- Czyz said the caucus reflects eighty years of successful public-private cooperation.
Key Facts :
- IIE is a nonprofit organisation promoting international education and exchange programmes.
- The caucus was launched in May by four bipartisan members of Congress.
Background :
The Institute of International Education (IIE), working with the Alliance for International Exchange, welcomed more than 125 guests to a bipartisan reception at the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the launch of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus.
This report looks at the reception and the goals behind the newly formed caucus.
The event brought together members of Congress from both parties, alumni of international exchange programmes, leaders from higher education, and representatives from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. They discussed how exchange programmes serve American interests both at home and abroad.
The bipartisan, bicameral caucus was launched in May by Senator John Boozman, Senator Cory Booker, Representative Jeff Van Drew and Representative Ami Bera. It aims to strengthen engagement with international exchange programmes and raise awareness of the benefits these programmes bring to communities across the country.
Senator Boozman said exchange programmes remain among America’s most effective tools for building relationships, encouraging mutual understanding and advancing the country’s interests worldwide. He added that the strong turnout at the reception showed the meaningful benefits these programmes deliver to communities nationwide, and said he was glad to see growing support for the caucus and its mission.
During the evening, guests spoke about how exchange programmes encourage collaboration, build diplomatic ties and create educational and professional opportunities.
Jason Czyz, President and CEO of IIE, said the success of America’s exchange programmes has long depended on a partnership between Congress, the State Department and the exchange community. He explained that Congress sets the vision, the State Department provides leadership, and the exchange community brings that vision to life, helping connect Americans with the world and prepare future leaders. He described this model of cooperation as one that has worked well for eighty years and remains important today.
Alumni also shared how programmes such as Fulbright shaped their careers, sparked new interests and supported research and leadership achievements.
