FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Families for Cultural Exchange Adds New Affiliated Member

Alliance for International Exchange to join coalition working to protect and expand the au pair program

Washington, D.C. (October 9, 2024) — American Families for Cultural Exchange (AFCE) announced today that the Alliance for International Exchange will be joining the coalition as an affiliated member. This addition will further strengthen the coalition’s efforts to protect and expand the federal au pair cultural exchange program in service of the program’s original goal of building global connections between American families and young people from abroad.

The Alliance for International Exchange is a leading association in the educational and cultural exchange sector. With a mission to promote the growth and impact of exchange programs, the Alliance engages in advocacy, supports member development, and raises public awareness about the transformative power of exchange.

“At its heart, the au pair program helps foster international exchange and raise global citizens,” said Natalie Jordan, Senior Vice President at Cultural Care Au Pair. “Expanding our coalition with the addition of the Alliance for International Exchange represents a significant step forward in our collective mission to champion the federal program and bridge cultural divides by connecting Americans with citizens of other countries.”

The Alliance’s membership underscores the commitment of AFCE to fostering global connections and enhancing the au pair program as a long-lasting and valued public diplomacy tool. This will help further advocacy efforts surrounding the au pair and other cultural exchange programs.

Mark Overmann, Executive Director at the Alliance, added, “International exchange is a valuable endeavor for the future of America, fostering global understanding and strengthening relationships that benefit our nation in numerous ways. This partnership fits squarely with our goal of advancing cultural exchange and ensuring that its benefits are widely recognized and accessible to both American families and au pairs from abroad.”

For nearly forty years, the U.S. State Department-regulated federal au pair program has created impactful connections across borders and cultures, while achieving the public diplomacy goals outlined by the program’s founders. This exchange experience attracts young people from diverse backgrounds worldwide who are welcomed into the homes of thousands of American families.

About American Families for Cultural Exchange

American Families for Cultural Exchange is a coalition led by Cultural Care Au Pair, a designated official sponsor of the U.S. State Department-regulated au pair program for over 30 years which has placed more than 175,000 au pairs in the homes of American host families. The au pair program champions the federal initiative that bridges cultural divides by offering immersive cultural exchange and enriching experiences to families across the country.