The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright-Hays) of 1961 authorizes the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State to conduct exchange programs, “to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations, and the contributions being made toward a peaceful and more fruitful life for people throughout the world; to promote international cooperation for educational and cultural advancement; and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.” The Bureau of Educational and Cultural …show more content…
Many entities come together to ensure a successful SWT program. • Sponsors are US organizations approved by the State Department to manage the Summer Work and Travel Program. • Overseas Agencies are recruiting organizations that work in partnership with Sponsors to select the right students for the program. • Employers are US companies that offer jobs to the international students. • Participants are International Students that come to the United States for cultural exchange, work and travel for a period of 4 months. • The Office of Private Sector Programs at the State Department reviews sponsors for approval, establishes regulatory standards, conducts the necessary supervision and co-ordination of the program Sponsors and determines the possible number of program participants