An Update on U.S. Federal Funding for International Exchange Programs

Last week, the Administration released its FY27 President’s Budget Request (PBR), which proposes a 68% reduction in funding for U.S. Department of State international exchange programs.  

If adopted, these cuts would significantly weaken (or eliminate) many deeply impactful programs supported through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). 

The education abroad community’s advocacy has proven powerful in the past. Just last year, a proposed 93% cut to ECA was met with strong opposition from education abroad supporters nationwide. More than 20,000 messages were sent to lawmakers, and Congress responded by rejecting the cuts and funding exchange programs at $667 million for FY26. 
​
Now, our community must step up again to clearly demonstrate the value and impact of these programs. ​

​
​How You Can Help 
​
The Forum on Education Abroad urges you to reach out to your members of Congress and ask them to: 

• Oppose the proposed 68% funding reduction, and 
• Support at least $700.95 million for State Department international exchange programs. 

With support from our partners at The Alliance, sample talking points are available to help you take action.  

Act now 

Additional resources to read more about this issue include: 

• Alliance: President’s FY27 budget proposes 68% cut to Department of State exchange programs 

• PIE News: US study abroad faces 68% cut under Trump’s proposed budget 

We encourage education abroad professionals to go a step further by sharing personal examples of how these programs—and potential cuts—affect their work, their students, and their communities. Personal stories matter, and they make an impact.
​ 
Together, we can once again stand up for education abroad and international exchange.