Exchange students receive a different visa, called a J-1. They are part of the “public diplomacy” initiatives of the US Department of State. Neither host families nor schools are paid. Voluntarily hosted exchange students do not pay for food, lodging and education, but are welcomed as guest members of a family, community and country. They do pay travel, insurance, personal and program costs

The expansion of YALI programs over the past five years has allowed the United States to connect with more young Africans than ever before. To date, tens of thousands of young African men and women have increased their skills, professional networks, and resolve in driving positive change in Africa.

This month, President Obama is in Africa reaching out to the approximately 200 million people on the continent between the ages of 15 and 24. The United States is strengthening ties with this dynamic and fast-growing region, embracing what the President has described as “a new era of engagement, based on mutual interests and mutual respect…to advance the common security and prosperity of all people.”

Evidence of thawing relations between the United States and Iran will take center stage tonight in, of all places, Duluth. But before the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra played even a rehearsal note of Hooshyar Khayam's "Kalileh" [...] the Iranian composer and Warren Friesen were busy together in the LSCO conductor and artistic director's kitchen last Saturday.

This week, 27 international high school students from seven countries arrived in the United States to participate in the U.S. Department of State’s first EducationUSA Academy. This [...] program will help students gain a deeper understanding of the U.S. higher education system and American society.

Since its inception in London in 1851, the prestigious exposition has served as a platform for nations to showcase their innovations, fostering cultural exchange between countries. This year, nine internationally renowned photographers were asked to take visitors on a “journey around the world in pictures” to illustrate the Fair’s theme: Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.