The freezing of US federal funding for study abroad and international exchange programs poses a significant threat to the survival of these critical initiatives, according to education advocates and stakeholders. The funding suspension, which began on February 12 and was originally set to end on February 27, remains unresolved, causing widespread uncertainty and disruption in the sector.
Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, emphasized that the freeze endangers programs vital to both the US economy and national security. “These are programs authorized and funded by Congress,” Aw said, urging legislative intervention to end the freeze and fill the funding gap it has created.
The US Department of State notified beneficiaries of the freeze on February 13 without issuing an official announcement or explanation. The ongoing pause effectively halts international education, professional exchanges, and youth programs, leaving thousands of students and educators in limbo.
Mark Overmann, Executive Director of the Alliance for International Exchange, highlighted the risks to the health, safety, and futures of more than 12,500 Americans currently abroad or preparing to travel. He warned that the disruption also threatens US institutions and jobs, noting that 90% of the State Department’s exchange budget is spent on Americans or within the United States.
Overmann stressed that exchange programs funded by the Export Credit Agencies (ECA) align with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s goals to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, and that pausing these initiatives will have the opposite effect.
Programs affected include the Fulbright Program, IDEAS Program, Gilman Scholarship, and Critical Languages Scholarships. Melissa Torres, CEO of the Forum on Education Abroad, underscored the broader impact on language acquisition and cultural competency, warning that the US risks losing its global competitiveness.
In response, NAFSA, the Forum on Education Abroad, and the Alliance for International Exchange have called on Congress to promptly restore funding and continue to inform stakeholders about policy changes under the current administration.
Related Topics:
