The following article was written by Dennis Tierney, support and volunteer coordinator in the AFS-USA Florida Area Team.
I was a 17-year old high school exchange student to Europe for three months. The world was a different place then — divided by the Cold War, yet eager for bridges. Preparing to depart, I was anxious, unsure of what was ahead but certain that the experience would change me. At the time, I didn’t realize how much that exchange would shape my career path and worldview. My experience is one of millions, each journey defined by growth and cross-cultural connection. Today, as international exchange programs face unprecedented threats, I feel compelled to share my journey and my perspective on why these programs matter for individuals and nations alike.
The Transformative Power of Exchange
Immersing in a new culture at a formative age is a lesson in humility, resilience, and empathy. In Europe, I learned to navigate unfamiliar customs, languages, and social expectations. I was welcomed into homes. I discovered the beauty of difference and the comfort of similarity, the shared laughter over a meal, the universal language of kindness. I became acutely aware of the interconnectedness of our world. I learned to listen, and to approach disagreements with curiosity rather than defensiveness.
As a natural consequence, my professional journey touched nearly every continent. My family lived six years in four different countries in Asia; I managed my employer’s European enterprise; I negotiated collaborative programs with businesses across the globe.
Whether negotiating a contract in Malaysia, overseeing a project in Israel, or collaborating on development initiatives in China or Africa, the core lessons remained the same: success is built on relationships, and relationships flourish when we understand and respect one another’s backgrounds and beliefs. The seeds planted during my exchange blossomed into a lifelong commitment to building bridges rather than walls.
The Current Threat to Exchange Programs
Despite the documented benefits of international exchange, recent months have seen mounting challenges. Foreign high school students face new State Department visa procedures that once welcomed eager young minds to America but now seem determined to deter them. However, funding cuts are our biggest threat.
As of August 15, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) blocked funding for the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program for the 2026–27 school year. If this decision stands, the program will end after the 2025–26 class. The YES program focuses on student exchange between Muslim-majority countries and the U.S. Now OMB will cut short more than 20 years of extraordinary exchanges that have brought outstanding students from nearly 35 countries to live in U.S. communities while sending American teens abroad. This OMB action erodes America’s reputation as a beacon of openness and possibility.
When we eliminate programs that foster a positive view of our country, we lose the voices of young ambassadors who carry their experiences home, sharing stories of American generosity, ingenuity, and spirit. We forfeit the chance to learn from those who see our country with fresh eyes, who challenge us to live up to our ideals.
Value in Shared Experience
Consider the loss when these programs disappear: our schools lose out on new perspectives, our communities and nation become less welcoming. America is made great by the [many different] ideas and experiences within its borders.
If you agree that the erosion of international student exchange makes America weaker, please share your thoughts with your congressmen. Let them know that these programs matter—not just to the students and families, but to our communities and our nation that hosts them. A nation that closes its doors to the world closes itself to growth, wisdom, and friendship. You can also still apply to be a host family for the coming year – AFS-USA welcomes students from over 80 countries worldwide.
International student exchange is a vital investment in the future of global citizenship. It is a means of nurturing U.S. and foreign leaders who will better understand one another, who value dialogue, and who can build solutions to complex challenges. Let us champion programs that celebrate openness, curiosity, and respect. Let us continue to welcome the world, and in doing so, make America truly great.