- “Life-changing” - that’s how Heath Vickerman, a longtime host parent and local coordinator with American Councils, describes the experience of welcoming exchange students into his home in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. More than a dozen former students across the globe still call Heath and his wife, Tina, “Mom” and “Dad.” While exchange programs are often viewed as benefiting the students themselves, the experience is equally enriching for host families. To date, over 40,000 students from… Read More
- American Councils established the US Study Abroad Assistance Fund to help American students who need help covering pre-program expenses as they participate in programs we implement. The Assistance Fund, which was created with support from our Board of Trustees and senior leadership, provides awards for costs that most scholarships or programs do not cover, including passport fees, medical exams, luggage, and other incidentals. Eligible program finalists can apply for up to $300 in… Read More
- In 2024, American Councils marked its 50th anniversary by launching the "50 Alumni for 50 Years" campaign. This initiative recognized 50 of the most accomplished individuals from the over 100,000 alumni of American Councils’ administered programs over the past five decades, highlighting the enriching and enduring impact of international education and public diplomacy on alumni and their communities. The 50 Alumni for 50 Years initiative connected with alumni of 26 programs from 31… Read More
- On Friday, November 15, American Councils for International Education in Kosova hosted “Two Decades of Inspiring Change Makers,” a gala evening celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Kosovo American Educational Fund (KAEF). Over 250 guests attended the gala, including Prime Minister Albin Kurti, former President and KAEF Honorary Committee Member Atifete Jahjaga, former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, and representatives from the U.S. Embassy and the Albanian Embassy in Kosovo. In their… Read More
- On October 17, please join American Councils for International Education in celebrating 50 years of excellence in public diplomacy, language acquisition, and cultural exchange programs with the conference, Public Diplomacy and International Education in the 21st Century. Co-hosted by George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs, the conference will engage diplomatic, government, business, and academic leaders in lively discussions on the transformative power of… Read More
- In an era marked by conflict, uncertainty, and rising extremism, it is critical for young people to understand history to prevent the repetition of past tragedies. The Elie Wiesel Study Tour (EWST), administered and implemented by American Councils Romania, aims to preserve the memory of the Holocaust while educating young adults about human rights violations. This educational tour, which spans Romania, Hungary, and Poland, helps participants understand the complex political, social, and… Read More
- A program of the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program promotes fostering connections and cross-cultural appreciation between citizens of the United States and countries across Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia. The program was established in 1992 by former Senator Bill Bradley after the Soviet Union's dissolution. Initially focused on 12 countries in Europe and Eurasia, FLEX has since expanded to 22 countries… Read More
- The American Space-Vahdat Extension, a program implemented by American Councils in partnership with and through the generous funding of Spirit of America, supports the Afghan refugee community in Tajikistan through youth leadership, work readiness, and educational programs. These initiatives aim to equip Afghan youth with essential skills and knowledge for their personal and professional development. Since its inception, more than 1,870 girls and boys have participated in long… Read More
- American Councils Celebrates Sendoff for First I-Kiribati Students in MCC Kiribati Threshold ProgramOn June 21, American Councils' Kiribati office celebrated a significant milestone with the sendoff of the first cohort of students participating in the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Kiribati Threshold Program— Uaiakinan ao Uarokoan Toronibwaia I-Kiribati Activity (UUTI Activity). The UUTI Activity aims to equip Kiribati youth with critical work readiness skills such as oral and written communication, workplace behavior, information and communication technology (ICT), and English… Read More
- Each year, the Civic Education Workshops (CEW) convene a cohort of participants from the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES), and Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) programs, hailing from various host communities across the United States, for an immersive exploration of American civil society in the nation’s capital. During the workshop, students engage in sessions on topics like First Amendment rights, foreign policy, and leadership, equipping… Read More
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