#United States #San Antonio #CIEE #BridgeUSA

Celebrating BridgeUSA in San Antonio

This week, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) is making waves in San Antonio as part of its nationwide BridgeUSA Celebration Tour. This event serves to underscore the significant impact of international exchange programs backed by the U.S. Department of State, emphasizing their contributions to making the United States a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation.

The BridgeUSA initiative is a vital program that annually invites around 300,000 international youths to experience American culture firsthand. They not only learn about American values but also enrich communities and businesses during their stay. After returning to their home countries, these participants carry with them a wealth of knowledge regarding American ideals, fostering a more understanding global society.

In Texas, CIEE recognizes local host families and employers who play a crucial role in facilitating these exchanges. Key programs highlighted include the BridgeUSA High School program, allowing international students to gain a unique high school experience in the U.S., and the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program, which enables international college students to work and live in America during their summer breaks. Together, these initiatives support over 4,000 businesses across the U.S., injecting more than $1.2 billion into the economy each year.

The benefits of the BridgeUSA program extend beyond financial contributions; they enrich educational landscapes as well. High school exchange participants introduce new perspectives into American classrooms, promoting empathy and cultural diversity among peers. These exchanges enhance the cultural fabric of host communities, allowing local families to engage in new cultures while building lifelong friendships and connections with the youth from abroad.

Carye Duffin, CIEE's Senior Vice President of External Affairs, remarked, "Texas provides an authentic lens into American culture for BridgeUSA participants. We are here to celebrate the local employers, families, and community leaders who showcase the very best of America."

Moreover, the national security aspect of the BridgeUSA initiative is crucial. By fostering relationships between Americans and international visitors, the program contributes to public diplomacy, cultivating mutual respect and understanding. As BridgeUSA participants share positive experiences about their time in the U.S., they help bolster America's image abroad, which ultimately leads to a safer nation.

Martine Mangion, Senior Vice President of Inbound Exchange Programs at CIEE, highlighted, "These tiny ripples of exchange grow into waves of global connection, promoting peaceful relations between countries for years to come."

From an economic perspective, the programming allows local businesses to thrive by extending summer tourism seasons. Participants from the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program provide essential support to seasonal businesses, helping them stay open longer and prolong sales surges. This relationship not only benefits individual establishments but also enhances the broader economic landscape in communities across the U.S.

James P. Pellow, the CEO of CIEE, emphasized, "The core premise of BridgeUSA is that international students come to America at their own expense to aid American businesses and communities. They learn about democracy and free speech while simultaneously contributing to our economy. Without BridgeUSA, we would need to create a similar initiative because of the invaluable benefits it brings."

The CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour is an ongoing journey that kicked off in June with stops across Ohio and Kentucky, showcasing major attractions like Cedar Point Amusement Park. Previous locations also included the stunning landscapes of Yellowstone National Park and the vibrant atmosphere of Myrtle Beach. As the tour continues, it aims to encourage dialogue and foster global connections that further enrich American society.

For those interested in supporting the CIEE BridgeUSA movement or participating in future events, Carye Duffin is available for inquiries, welcoming individuals eager to contribute to international exchange.

CIEE has dedicated 75 years to building bridges across countries and cultures, enriching student exchanges, and making significant contributions to global education. With over a million exchanges facilitated, CIEE continues to change lives and empower its alumni to make a positive impact worldwide.

More information can be found at ciee.org.