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EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES BRANCHThe Educational Information and Resources Branch (ECA/A/S/A) promotes U.S. educational opportunities to students and scholars overseas and works with U.S. institutions to strengthen international educational exchange. Overseas, the Branch provides support for a worldwide network of educational advising centers. Domestically, the Branch administers a study abroad scholarship program for U.S. students, funds programs to enhance the integration of international students on U.S. campuses, and helps link educational advisers overseas with counterparts at U.S. academic institutions. Overseas Educational Advising Over 450 educational advising centers in the worldwide U.S. Department of State network provide international students and scholars with information on the U.S. educational system. ECA/A/SA provides reference materials, equipment, training opportunities, and limited operational support to the network of centers. These centers may be found in a wide variety of institutions, including U.S. embassies, Fulbright Commissions, U.S. non-profit organizations with overseas operations, binational centers, local universities, private foundations, and other local institutions. U.S. Department of State-affiliated advising centers provide up-to-date, accurate and impartial information about opportunities to study in the United States. Reference materials available at most centers include profiles of U.S. institutions and guides on selecting a school and academic program, as well as information about:
Advisers at U.S. Department of State-affiliated centers provide information about the full range of accredited institutions of higher learning in the United States and do not serve as agents or recruiters. A network of eight
Regional Educational
Advising Coordinators (REACs) provides expertise and field-based
support, training and liaison for educational advisers in the U.S. Department
of State network. U.S. Domestic Activities The over 500,000 international
students now studying in the United States at the postsecondary level
not only contribute significantly to our economy, but also enrich our
communities with their cultures, while developing a lifelong appreciation
for ours. We are committed to encouraging students from other countries
to study in the United States and to making their experience in this country
rewarding. The U.S. Department of State provides information to international education professionals through support for various publications, including Open Doors, the annual census of the international academic community in the United States, and Advising Quarterly, a journal for educational advisers. In further recognition of the importance of international exchange, U.S. Department of State promotes study abroad for US students. Cooperative Agreements The Branch does not fund individuals directly, but works with nongovernmental organizations to fulfill the activities outlined above through cooperative agreements. These fall into the general categories of support for overseas advising centers, international student enrichment programs, and professional development for international education professionals. For additional information on grant opportunities, please contact the Branch or consult the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs's list of open Requests for Grant Proposals. |
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