Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Our Mission

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) mission is to create lasting people-to-people ties that make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous. ECA programs increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational, professional, and cultural exchanges. Exchange programs strengthen the national security of the United States through improved foreign relations, support U.S. international leadership, and provide a broad range of domestic benefits by breaking down barriers and by investing in American communities and organizations.