The History of International Student Exchange
The Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act) was enacted in 1961 to promote mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries through educational and cultural exchange programs. While this Act wasn’t the first piece of legislation to deal with international student exchange, Fulbright-Hays defined and strengthened exchange programs, and outlined how exchange programs should operate.

The legislation also demonstrated that the U.S. considered international student exchange programs an important element of U.S. diplomacy.
 
Why is International Student Exchange Important?

InternationalStudent Exchange
Challenges the World’s Young People.
Young people today realize that living abroad is not only an adventure, it has become increasingly important for success in a global society. Teenagers see international study as an excellent way to gain an advantage in applying to college and getting a job.

But the rewards of international student exchange are not just practical. They are also personal. Studying abroad exposes students to fresh ideas and different cultures. It allows students to confront new and challenging situations, and to try out their decision-making skills away from their parents and the comforts of home. Traveling abroad and staying with a host family also strengthens young people’s coping skills, and, as a result, increases their maturity, confidence, independence, and critical skills for the demands of the next stages of their lives: college, career and family.

International Student Exchange Fosters
Peace and International Understanding.
While international student exchange is a critical tool for a young person’s development, it is also a vehicle for cross-cultural understanding, a key component of peace and diplomacy. International student exchange increases mutual respect among the people of the world, fosters an appreciation of our differences and similarities, and enhances our ability to communicate with one another.

International Student Exchange
Assists in the Education of All Young People.
International student exchange is an educational tool that benefits all students who share their classroom or school with an international visitor. Foreign students challenge their classmates with a different perspective on the world, and act as insightful resources on current events and the understanding of different cultures.