This is a hybrid event; a virtual event link will be provided one day before the event.

International exchange programs have developed to encompass so much more than just studying abroad. They have become a vehicle for sharing and aligning values with different people around the world.

With so many opportunities now available, how do you know which one fits you and your personal ambitions? How can exchange opportunities in general expand and help strengthen the relationship between Europe and the United States?

At the EU-U.S. Summit on October 20, 2023, the European Union and the United States announced they would increase investment in “people-to-people” exchange experiences. These include study abroad, research openings, internships, and professional development.

Against this backdrop, the EU Delegation to the United States and the U.S. State Department are convening exchange program facilitators, partners, and participants from both continents in one place. Over two interactive sessions, these stakeholders will discuss the various exchange opportunities available and how we can enhance them so they continue reinforcing the EU-U.S. relationship.

At the conclusion of the working sessions, guests are invited to attend a networking reception to continue the conversation, ask questions, and make connections.

PROGRAM

9:30-9:35 AM: Welcome address by Joel Hellman, Dean of the Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University

9:40-9:50 AM: Keynote by Pia Ahrenkilde, Director General, DG Education, Youth, Sport, and Culture, European Commission

10:00-11:00 AM: Moving Forward: How Can EU-U.S. P2P Exchanges Boost the Transatlantic Partnership

This session will explore innovations in the field of people-to-people exchanges, possibilities for growth in the sector, how the EU and U.S. can collaborate to bolster exchanges, and the role of exchanges in shaping the transatlantic relationship. Panelists will share their experiences with exchange programs in the EU and the U.S. and their outlook on what strategies and tools can be leveraged to advance people-to-people initiatives and deepen the EU-U.S.  relationship.

• Speakers:
  • Betsy Goldemen, International Program Specialist, NASA
  • Piotr Bartoszewicz-Malicki, Head of the European Union Visitors Program, European Parliament
  • Tim Rivera, Senior Advisor for Innovation and Strategy, World Learning
  • Eric Rosand, Executive Director of the Strong Cities Network
  • Katherine Brown Ph.D, President & CEO, Global Ties U.S. (moderator)

11:00-11:15 AM: Break

11:20-11:30 AM: Keynote by Rafik Mansour, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

11:35 AM-12:50 PM: Improving Mobility Exchanges between the EU and the US: The Role of the Private Sector

In this panel, private sector representatives will explore how the private sector can actively contribute to and shape the landscape of international collaboration and people-to-people initiatives. The discussion will focus on themes such as corporate social responsibility, private-public partnership, youth engagement, and the role of innovation and technology.

• Speakers:
  • Chris Clary, Senior Partnership Officer, Public Private Partnerships, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
  • Dr. Jennifer Clinton, President, Cultural Vistas
  • Dr. Barrett Haga, Senior Advisor for Private Sector Exchanges, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
  • Salvatore Nigro, CEO of JA Europe
  • Shanique Streete, Executive Director of Programs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (moderator)

1:15 PM: Networking Reception

• Welcome by Jovita Neliupšienė, Ambassador of the European Union to the United States
• Video Message from Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
• Alumni testimonial by Charles Small, Vice President, HNTB