Congressional Caucus Presentation News Release

EurekaFacts Presents to the Congressional Caucus on International Exchange and Study

Recently-Released Report on the Impact of Intern and Trainee Exchange Programs

September 14, 2018

ROCKVILLE, MD – Co-chaired by Representatives Jim Himes (D-CT) and Steve Pearce (R-NM), the Congressional Caucus on International Exchange and Study held a congressional briefing on September 14 for legislators and their staff on Capitol Hill discussing the impact of the Intern and Trainee International Exchange Programs.

EurekaFacts presented key findings of a recently-released report on the impact of international exchange, from an extensive research study commissioned by the Alliance for International Exchange, examining the value of the Intern and Trainee International Exchange programs to U.S. constituents. Part of the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program, these programs offer international candidates an opportunity to live in the U.S. temporarily, participate in professional training with host organizations and experience American culture.

 

Key Findings Identified in the Report

The U.S. Department of State’s Intern and Trainee programs are cultural exchange programs that are valuable to our country, participants and host organizations. View Full Report >

• The Intern and Trainee international exchange programs are effective tools of public diplomacy
• Participants developed more positive attitudes toward the American culture, people and business practices
  • 73.1% developed a more positive attitude of the U.S. after their experience
  • 75.6% expressed a more positive opinion of the American people
  • 93% develop American friends that they keep in touch with after they return home
• These programs significantly impact the U.S. economy
  • Interns and Trainees contributed an estimated $662.6 million to the U.S. economy during their stay in 2017
  • Host organizations value the program and use it in ways that the domestic workforce cannot fulfill
• Each of these adds value to American businesses and comparable programs benefit American workers
  • Nearly 70% of interns and trainees report a more positive opinion about American companies and the American way of doing business
  • 75% of host organizations reveal that participants broaden perspectives of current staff through exposure to different cultures
  • 36% of host organizations see long-term impact on the company by establishing connections and partnerships in key overseas markets
• Participants and host organizations have positive short-term and long-term impacts from these programs

 

Speakers on the Panel

This panel featured representatives from the international educational and cultural exchange community and the authors of the report, including:

• Ilir Zherka, Executive Director, Alliance for International Exchange
• Jennifer Clinton, President & CEO, Cultural Vistas
• Jorge Restrepo, CEO, EurekaFacts
• Kevin Saba, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs
• Karl Altau, Managing Director, Joint Baltic American National Committee

 

About EurekaFacts

EurekaFacts is a market research firm focused on quantitative and qualitative research as well as advanced data analysis. Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, EurekaFacts has emerged as a leading insights provider with specialized expertise in conducting research with international audiences.

About the Alliance for International Exchange

As the voice of international exchange, the Alliance promotes the growth and impact of exchange programs and the effectiveness of its members by engaging in advocacy, providing member development opportunities and building public awareness of the power of international exchange.