The Exchange Visitor Program
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE administers the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended. The Act promotes mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange. The Exchange Visitor Program provides foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in exchange programs in the United States and then return home to share their experiences.
Sponsors – The U.S. Department of State designates sponsors to administer individual exchange visitor programs. Sponsors are U.S. organizations such as government agencies, academic institutions, educational and cultural organizations, and corporations. They screen and select exchange visitors participating in their programs, provided them with pre-arrival information, an orientation, and monitor their activities.
Sponsors offer exchange visitors cross-cultural activities that will expose them to American society, cultural, and institutions. Exchange visitors are encouraged to voluntarily participate in activities that provide them with an opportunity to share their language, cultural, and history with Americans.
