Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
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Educational Information and Resources Branch

The Educational Information and Resources Branch (ECA/A/S/A) promotes U.S. educational opportunities to students and scholars overseas and works with U.S. institutions to strengthen international educational exchange. Overseas, the Branch provides support for a worldwide network of EducationUSA advising centers. Domestically, the Branch funds a study abroad scholarship program for U.S. students, funds programs to enhance the integration of international students on U.S. campuses, and helps link educational advisers overseas with counterparts at U.S. academic institutions.

Overseas Educational Advising

Over 450 Department of State-affiliated EducationUSA advising centers around the world provide international students and scholars with information on the U.S. Educational system. The Branch provides reference materials, equipment, training opportunities, and limited operational support to the network of centers. These centers are located in a wide variety of institutions, including U.S. embassies, Fulbright Commissions, U.S. non-profit organizations with overseas operations, binational centers, local universities, private foundations, and other local institutions.

EducationUSA advising centers provide up-to-date, accurate and impartial information about opportunities to study in the United States. Reference materials available at most centers include profiles of U.S. Institutions and guides on selecting a school and academic program, as well as information about:

• application procedures and strategies;
• standardized tests required for admission such as TOEFL, SAT, GRE, and GMAT;
• applying for financial aid;
• applying for a student visa; and,
  
• preparing for academic life in the United States.

Advisers at EducationUSA advising centers provide information about the full range of accredited institutions of higher learning in the United States and do not serve as agents or recruiters.

A network of eight Regional Educational Advising Coordinators (REACs) provides expertise and field-based support, training and timely information about U.S. higher education for educational advisers in the EducationUSA network.

U.S. Domestic Activities

The over 550,000 international students now studying in the United States at the postsecondary level not only contribute significantly to our economy, but also enrich our communities with their cultures, while developing a lifelong appreciation for ours. We are committed to encouraging students from other countries to study in the United States and to making their experience in this country rewarding.

The Branch works with partner organizations to strengthen the services that support international students and scholars on U.S. Campuses, and funds professional development and training for foreign student advisers, admissions personnel, and others at U.S. universities and colleges. The Branch also seeks to introduce students to American society and culture by funding innovative programming to integrate international students into their institutions and communities.

The U.S. Department of State provides information to international education professionals through support for various publications, including Open Doors, the annual census of the international academic community in the United States, and Advising Quarterly, a journal for educational advisers.

Study Abroad

The Branch funds the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which provides grants of up to $5,000 to lower income U.S. Students for overseas study. The program prides itself on the diversity of its scholars and encourages recipients to study in nontraditional destinations. The Gilman program is administered by a non-governmental partner in close cooperation with the Branch.

Cooperative Agreements

The Branch does not fund individuals directly, but works with nongovernmental organizations to fulfill the activities outlined above through cooperative agreements. These fall into the general categories of support for overseas advising centers, international student enrichment programs, professional development for international education professionals, and study abroad for U.S. citizens.

For additional information on grant opportunities, please contact the Branch or consult the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs's list of open Requests for Grant Proposals.

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