The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' (ECA) mission is to create lasting people-to-people ties that make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous. ECA programs increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational, professional, and cultural exchanges, supporting the development and sustainment of peaceful relations. Exchange programs strengthen the national security of the United States through improved foreign relations, support U.S. international leadership, and provide a broad range of domestic benefits by helping break down barriers that often divide us and by investing in American communities and organizations.

What We Do

As mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) works to build friendly, peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges, as well as public-private partnerships.

This exchange of expertise, culture, language, and sport results in better outcomes for American communities and for foreign exchange participants in their communities abroad. For example, exchange programs increase skillsets in sectors like technology, facilitate international collaboration with like-minded partners on cybersecurity, and represent a significant investment in American individuals and communities.

We cultivate lasting international relationships, helping secure our nation today and building foundations of peace and prosperity for tomorrow. 

Who We Engage

Building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America and world starts with individuals.  ECA exchanges cross numerous sectors and industries important to American culture and values and engage rising leaders in the United States and around the globe, from high school students to doctoral researchers, professional artists and athletes, and beyond.