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Education & Exchanges

Overview

Learn, exchange, grow, and serve. The U.S. Department of State offers many programs for non-U.S. citizens wishing to come to the U.S. for cultural, educational, or professional exchange. These programs are augmented by local opportunities in countries around that world that allow non-U.S. citizens to explore U.S. culture and the English language. Learn more about the opportunities offered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Exchange Program Alumni – Resources & Opportunities

alumni office and alumni

Join the Exchange Alumni community portal and open the door to a world of resources and funding opportunities to help you build on the skills you gained during your exchange program:

  • Access academic journals and articles through EBSCO, JSTOR, and Libby, among other academic and research resources through eLibraryUSA (make sure to first visit an American Space in your region to set up an account).
  • Find and connect with fellow Exchange Alumni locally and globally.
  • Collaborate in group discussions, search for and post upcoming career opportunities, update your alumni contact information, and more!

For Exchange Alumni community portal log-in questions, reach out to: alumniwebsite@state.gov.

In addition, get up-to-date information on upcoming events and Exchange Alumni highlights in our quarterly international newsletter, and reach out to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to find out more about funding opportunities like the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF).

Don’t forget to connect with us online through LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, sharing your successes by using #ExchangeAlumni when you post. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Feel free to reach out directly at exchangealumni@state.gov.

Exchange Program Alumni – Resources & Opportunities

Alumni Success Stories: Journeys of Inspiration and Achievement

This page highlights U.S. Government exchange alumni who transformed their program experiences into impactful outcomes. These profiles showcase how exchange programs shaped leaders, empower communities, and build lasting global connections.

Monthly Alumni Newsletter This archive includes monthly updates for U.S. Government exchange alumni and showcases alumni events, program news, opportunities, and notable achievements across the network.

U.S. Exchange Alumni Association of Ethiopia U.S. Exchange Alumni Association of Ethiopia brings together Ethiopians who completed U.S. Government exchange programs and work to strengthen their communities. The board-led association includes alumni from education, research, industry, and the private sector. Its members focus on networking, training, service projects, and joint research, while building partnerships in Ethiopia and abroad and maintaining ties with U.S. alumni networks worldwide. More information: https://www.usexchangeth.org/

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF)

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) provides grants to teams of U.S. Embassy exchange alumni for local, impactful projects. Managed by U.S. Embassies, AEIF supports initiatives that advance U.S. foreign policy, strengthen local communities, and foster collaboration among alumni. For the 2026 cycle in Ethiopia, awards range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $35,000 for projects lasting 12 to 18 months.

Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange

The Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange component provides Fellowship Alumni with the opportunity to build upon the strategic partnerships and professional connections they developed while in the United States. This program provides U.S. professionals with funding to implement in-person or hybrid projects in Sub-Saharan African countries alongside Fellowship Alumni on the continent. These short-term projects are designed to create direct benefits for both the African host communities and the U.S. participants’ home institutions. Through these exchanges, alumni can expand their professional networks, gain new business opportunities, and acquire specialized knowledge or skills through collaborative project implementation. More information – https://www.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org/reciprocal-exchanges/