PROGRAMS

The U.S. Department of State's Educational Information and Resources Branch (ECA/A/S/A) works to provide information on the U.S. higher education system and study opportunities to prospective students, scholars, and others.

ECA/A/S/A supports a network of approximately 450 education information/advising centers that collectively respond to over 5 million requests annually. Located at US embassies, Fulbright Commissions, binational centers, non-governmental organizations, libraries, universities, and businesses, centers included in the network have agreed to operate according to established guidelines and ethical practice. The branch provides training programs for educational advisers, (including the services of Regional Educational Advising Coordinators, or REACs, and specialized programs through NAFSA: Association of International Educators), an annual supply of reference materials, and equipment on a prioritized basis.

ECA/A/S/A's support for centers in the network is predicated on each center's agreement to operate according to the following principles:

• Centers provide impartial information about all accredited institutions of higher learning in the U.S.
• They provide, usually for no charge or for a modest membership fee, access to essential materials and to an introduction to U.S. higher education, often in the form of a group advising session or video.
• Centers also may charge modest fees for more advanced or specialized services and are open to all public inquiries.
• The professional advising staff follow established principles of ethical practice.

For further information, contact:
Educational Information and Resources Branch
U.S. Department of State SA-44
301 4th Street, SW Room 349
Washington, DC 20547
tel: 202-619-5434
fax: 202-401-1433