Public Diplomacy: Academic and Cultural Exchange Programs

On October 17, the Brookings Institution celebrated its 50th year as a designated sponsor of the Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program. Brookings is just one of several organizations that bring individuals and their families to the U.S. for academic and cultural exchange. The decades of exchange have strengthened our research and enriched our community.  But most of all, the alumni of our exchange program have returned to have an impact in their home countries and added their voices to critical discussions globally.

Brookings welcomed back some of our exchange visitor alumni to share their experiences as exchange program participants and how they continue to affect the global policy-making community.  Dr. Nicholas Arrindell, a leader in the field of international education and exchange, moderated the discussion.

The discussion was preceded by keynote remarks from Tara Sonenshine, distinguished fellow at George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs and former under secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.