International Exchange Programs Are an Investment in Our Community

We’ve always believed international exchange benefits all of us. Now there’s new data to back it up.

This week, Global Ties U.S. released its 2026 Community Impact Study and State of the Global Ties Network Survey. The findings focus on professional exchange programs like the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, and they show that these programs deliver real returns for communities across the country.

The numbers

  • A 12:1 return. In the last reporting year, $6.1 million in core federal funding for the IVLP became $74.7 million in local economic impact for U.S. businesses and communities. That’s $12 for every $1 invested, and the second year in a row the network has hit that mark.

  • Neighbors showing up. Nearly 13,100 American volunteers gave almost 142,000 hours to support international visitors.

  • Real professional connections. More than 8,600 U.S. industry leaders met with visitors through over 5,200 professional meetings.

What it means for Americans who take part

The study surveyed 762 community members who support exchanges as volunteer hosts, speakers, and professional connections across 31 states. What they said sounds a lot like what we hear at FIUTS:

  • 85% said the experience gave them a chance to showcase their achievements and innovation.

  • 79% said it enhanced the prestige of their organization or their own reputation, and 62% said it strengthened their skills and job performance.

  • 70% said exchange programs promote local businesses and strengthen international commercial ties.

  • 72% said they gained skills or experiences that help them contribute locally, and 54% said they became more likely to volunteer in their community.

  • More than 80% said they learned about the countries their visitors came from and gained a better understanding of international affairs.

Global connections, here in our region

Behind all of these numbers are people - everyday people in communities across the country and here in our region who believe in the power and importance of making personal connections across borders. At FIUTS, it’s local hosts welcoming students into their homes, alumni and community members supporting students as they explore future careers, teachers who welcome FIUTS students into their classrooms. Educational exchange doesn’t just benefit the visitor. It makes the place that welcomes them stronger, more connected, and more curious.

Want to be part of it? Sign up as a volunteer host, or send an email to learn more about other opportunities.

Read the full Community Impact Study [link to the study: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CbA5P48l9HX1ddJj58am2PyKhVdJQwq7/view] and the announcement from Global Ties U.S..

Alex Radi