INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE
GlobalTexas brings people across cultures and continents to connect, exchange ideas, form partnerships, and build professional skills that advance and inspire local opportunities and global communities. Each year, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, the Congressional Office for International Leadership, and other partners, we bring emerging leaders from around the world to Austin and Houston. These professional exchange programs connect Texas to people and ideas from around the world.
Public diplomacy is vital to U.S. foreign policy success. The International Visitor Leadership Program and other exchange programs are a powerful tool to counter influence, build alliances to combat transnational threats, and deliver U.S. economic prosperity and security.
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Benefits of Exchanges include:
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National Security: Exchanges strengthen national security by building alliances that help the United States address global threats and promote U.S. influence abroad.
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Economic Gains: The International Visitor Leadership Program and other exchange programs boost U.S. economic prosperity. The Global Ties Network (of which GlobalTexas is a member) generates an 11:1 return on federal funding for the U.S. economy.
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Stronger Communities: Exchanges develop the U.S. workforce. 70%+ of U.S. citizens gained professional skills and networks by supporting exchange programs in their communities.
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The International Affairs budget is only 1% of the entire federal budget. Additionally, over 90% of the Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs budget is spent in the United States or invested in U.S. citizens and organizations.