- 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
- 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 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: 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
- 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
- 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
- In 2024, the American Councils community marked the 50th anniversary of advancing international education, cultural exchange, language immersion, professional development and work skills training, and educational innovation. From Eastern Europe and the Southern Caucasus to Central Asia, West Africa, and the Pacific, our global network came together with partners, volunteers, and alumni to celebrate half a century of fostering connections between countries and cultures. These regional… Read More
- American Councils Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) opened in Sarajevo in 2003 with the launch of a fellowship for newly-minted university instructors. In the ensuing years, AC BiH has administered and supported international scholarships for hundreds of educators and other professionals, as well as college and high school students. Our office works closely with the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, including its branch offices in Banja Luka, and maintains relationships with BiH’s 13 ministries of… Read More
- When Jelena Jevtic first heard about the UN Youth Assembly, she wasn't sure if she should apply.But she did. She will be one of more than 1,000 students from around the world involved in the prestigious gathering next month in New York City.Born in Serbia, Jelena is a senior at Bluefield State College in West Virginia, where as the student government association president she has spearheaded the celebration of UN Day, International Women's Day, as well as the first-ever recycling initiatives on… Read More
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