Cultural Exchange Program Benefits

cultural exchange act 1961 united states InterExchange's programs are designed to achieve the educational objectives of cultural exchange by directly involving young adults in the daily life of the host country through temporary employment and training opportunities.

The History of Cultural Exchange in the United States

The United States Information and Educational Exchange Act (Smith-Mundt Act of 1948) set up the framework for exchange visitor programs. The act was subsequently incorporated into and broadened under the Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hayes Act). The purpose of this Act is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange.

Quotes on Cultural Exchange:

“There has never been a moment in history in which our influence on the rest of the world has
been as great, or our understanding less sufficient. There is no substitute for first-hand experience.”
--Julia Chang Bloch, former U.S. Ambassador to Nepal

“Perhaps the greatest power of educational exchange is the power to
convert nations into peoples and to translate ideologies into aspirations.”
--Senator J. William Fulbright

“America’s leadership and national security rest on our commitment to educate
and prepare our youth for active engagement in the international community.”
--President George W. Bush

“Educational and cultural exchanges where we take people from other lands,
bring them here, let them go to our schools, let them participate in activities with our
families and with our communities... It is a long-term investment in a better future.”
--Secretary of State Colin Powell

“There are no more effective means to spread American values and
influence and to create goodwill than international student exchanges.”
--Senator Richard Luger