- The best way to understand a region’s story isn’t through its monuments — it’s through its people. That ethos powered the 2025 American Councils Insider Tour, where 11 American travelers joined us on a weeklong journey through the Western Balkans to explore Kosova and Albania. From Prishtina to Tirana, the Balkan Insider Tour gave travelers a firsthand look at how alumni of exchange programs administered by American Councils shape their countries' progress and development. As local alumni… Read More
- Editor's Note: This article was originally written by the YES Program. Inspired by the values of inclusion he experienced during his exchange year in the US, Nehemiah brought sign language to his hometown in Nigeria. Living for a year in the United States often provides opportunities for exchange students that would have been unthinkable in their home countries. For Youth Exchange and Study (YES) student, Nehemiah, from Nigeria, spending an exchange year in Arvada, Colorado meant… Read More
- This article was originally published on LinkedIn.By David Young, CEO, VIF International Education; Vice-Chair, P21You have heard it before, and it bears repeating, it's time for global education for all students - not the select few. With the resources at our fingertips and the ever-changing technology in the 21st century we are more equipped and ready than ever to spread global education to every school in the country. Yes, it's a lofty goal. But, that's what the next generation needs, and… Read More
- American Councils is pleased to announce the promotion of 23 individuals across 14 departments at the Washington, DC headquarters. This exceptional group from across the organization have made meaningful contributions to the growth and success of American Councils, some for more than 30 years. These dedicated individuals demonstrate expertise in their respective roles, helping to drive our longstanding commitment to public diplomacy, study abroad, and language acquisition. The… Read More
- Studying abroad is an exciting journey and a key to academic and professional success for young Americans in today’s world. FLEX Global Abroad provides a unique opportunity for high school students and recent graduates to explore a new country, broaden their perspectives, and develop language abilities by living with a host family, studying in a local school, and participating in leadership activities. FLEX Global Abroad students also share information about the United States and their own… Read More
- An exchange student has many new experiences during an academic year in America: new foods, new places, new schools, and new families. For a select group of students each year, that list includes meeting elected officials in Washington D.C. through the Civic Education Workshop.This year the workshop celebrates its 25th anniversary. The weeklong event, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State, offers exchange students a closer look at how American civil society functions. Students… Read More
- The Workshop for Youth Leaders in English Teaching (WYLET) is a program of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for select exchange students on the FLEX and YES programs.WYLET builds on the U.S. experience through an intensive, week-long training program for aspiring English language teachers in Washington, DC. The Workshop cultivates skills specific to teaching English, such as student-centered methodology, effective use of technology, classroom management… Read More
- Meder’s journey from Kyrgyzstan to America actually started in Ghana.Last fall, Meder Mukai Uulu was thrilled to learn he earned a scholarship for the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program. The competitive, merit-based program, which is sponsored by the United States Department of State, has an acceptance rate of less than three percent. FLEX students live with a host family and attend an American high school, and Meder couldn’t wait. Meanwhile in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Spalding… Read More
- Editor's note: From our most junior level staffers to our president, our global staff has a lot of knowledge about exchange to share. This month, we asked them to share some of their best advice, based on their studies, work experience, and their time working at American Councils. For this piece, we asked: What is your best advice for someone going on an exchange program? 1. Be prepared to present [your] country's culture, do not hesitate to make new friends, have a good… Read More
- What is NEWL?NEWL is an online proficiency exam for language learners of Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian seeking college placement and/or credit. The exam measures functional proficiency and is intended to be a predictive assessment for continued language study beyond high school. What are the 2026 administration dates and times?Dates, fees, and other details can be found here. If you reside outside the U.S., please consider the time difference when registering for the exam.… Read More
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