Playing an active, leadership role in the international exchange community's advocacy is essential to the health and success of our programs. We invite you to join us in these efforts!

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Featured Resources

SWT Impact Study

A new study shows that the Summer Work Travel (SWT) program delivers significant diplomatic & economic benefits to the U.S.

Econ Impact Heat Map

Summer Work Travel participants contributed $509 million to the U.S. economy in 2016.

Intern/Trainee Report

A new study provides evidence that the J-1 Intern & Trainee programs support U.S. nat'l security and economic interests.

Get Involved

Write your Members of Congress via our easy online system.

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Join Americans for Cultural Exchange. It's no cost or commitment.

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Post your stories on social media. @interexchange #SaveJ1.

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The Latest

Since the spring of 2017, the Department of State Exchange Visitor Program has been under threat of significant cuts, or even complete elimination. Here's where things stand:

  • April 2017

    The "Buy American Hire American" Executive Order is signed. Inside sources indicate this EO may be used to harm Summer Work Travel and other Exchange Visitor Programs.

  • June 2017

    Americans for Cultural Exchange launches to organize Americans who support the Exchange Visitor Program.

  • August 2017

    A Wall Street Journal article confirms that the Administration is seeking to eliminate five Exchange Visitor Programs – Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Intern, Summer Work Travel, and Trainee.

  • Fall/Winter 2017

    The international exchange community engages in unprecedented advocacy in support of the Exchange Visitor Program:

    • 100,000+ letters and calls to Congress
    • 26,000+ au pair host families sign Change.org petition
    • Hundreds of positive news stories
    • 1,000+ Americans for Cultural Exchange members

  • Winter 2017-18

    Dozens of Members of Congress, as well as Governors and Business Associations, sign multiple letters in support of the Exchange Visitor Program.

  • April 2018

    The FY 2018 bill to fund the U.S. government includes a directive protecting the Exchange Visitor Program.

  • Today

    All Exchange Visitor Programs remain unchanged and are operating full steam ahead. We remain, however, active and vigilant in our advocacy efforts!

Featured Advocacy Activity

New Bill Protects J-1

The FY18 bill to fund the U.S. govt includes a directive protecting the Exchange Visitor Program.

View Fact Sheet

Congressional Letters

17 Senators and 33 Representatives sent support letters to the Secretary of State.

Read These and More

Business & Association Letters

Hundreds of businesses across the country, and their associations, sent support letters.

Read These and More

Additional Resources

U.S. Department of State-Designated J-1 Visa Sponsor
Alliance for International Exchange
The International Coalition for Global Education and Exchange
European-American Chamber of Commerce New York
Global Ties U.S.
International Au Pair Association
WYSE Travel Confederation