Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Latest News & Highlights >> ECA Sponsors “Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities” In tribute to the International Day of Disabled Persons, December 3, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S Department of State is pleased to announce its sponsorship of a new book promoting international opportunities for people with disabilities titled “Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities.” More >> Transcript of Remarks at the International Education Week 2004 ECA Exchanges Fair Ceremony In honor of International Education Week 2004, the State Department held an exhibit highlighting the international exchange programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage (left) visited the exhibit and made remarks. Read the transcript. International Education Week Highlights >> Watch a video: ECA Sports Envoys Omari Faulkner and Courtland Freeman on the importance of International Education Week (IEW) >> Visit the IEW website: http://exchanges.state.gov/iew >> Read a statement by Secretary of State Colin L. Powell on International Education Week--November 15-19, 2004 >> Secretary of State Colin L. Powell Makes Remarks at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Reception for Humphrey Fellows and Foreign Diplomats "This year's Humphrey Fellows are living proof that America will always honor our highest ideals, especially in dangerous times, when the temptation might be to move in the other direction. And today, as we begin our celebration of International Education Week, we welcome the largest group of Humphrey Fellows in ten years, the third largest number of winners in the fellowship's 26-year history. And all of you will join a community of over 570,000 foreign students who are currently studying all across America. We have promised you an experience of an open society, and we are keeping that promise." Read the complete statement

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) fosters mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through international educational and training programs. The bureau does so by promoting personal, professional, and institutional ties between private citizens and organizations in the United States and abroad, as well as by presenting U.S. history, society, art and culture in all of its diversity to overseas audiences.

The Fulbright Program provides grants for Graduate Students, Scholars and Professionals, and Teachers and Administrators. This site includes Fulbright Commissions and other information on the program.

EducationUSA promotes U.S. higher education abroad, supports overseas advising centers, collaborates with U.S. educational organizations to strengthen international exchange, and manages the Gilman study abroad scholarship program.

The Office of English Language Programs creates and implements high quality, targeted English language programs overseas to promote mutual understanding between the United States and other countries. Staff, including overseas-based Regional English Language Officers, plan, conduct and support programs sponsored by American Embassies and Consulates.

Programs for Eurasia and Southeast Europe include activities involving individual fellowships or institutional linkages.

Requests for Grant Proposals announce the latest bureau funding opportunities for academic, and non-profit institutions seeking exchanges and training grants.

The Humphrey Fellowships bring mid-level professionals from developing countries to the United States for a year of academic study and professional experiences.

Study of the U.S. promotes better understanding of the U.S. through Summer Institutes for foreign university faculty. This site also contains an extensive number of links to on-line American Studies resources.

Educational Partnerships Program supports educational linkages between U.S. and foreign post-secondary institutions through faculty and staff exchanges on themes of mutual interest.

The International Visitor Leadership Program brings participants to the U.S. to meet and confer with professional counterparts and to experience firsthand the U.S. and its institutions.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges develops professional, cultural and youth programs with nonprofit American institutions, including voluntary community organizations, professional associations, and universities. Thematic categories for grants include civil society, NGO development, civic education, media development, judicial training, intellectual property rights, and public administration among other themes. The office has three geographic divisions — Europe/Eurasia; Near East, South Asia and Africa; and Western Hemisphere and East Asia — as well as divisions for youth and cultural, including ECA's CultureConnect web site.

International Cultural Property Protection represents U.S. responsibilities in protecting the cultural patrimony of other countries.

The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation, established by Congress for the fiscal year 2001, aims to assist less developed countries in preserving their cultural heritage and to demonstrate U.S. respect for other cultures.

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This site is maintained by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Links to other sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.