The Foreign Service Journal, January-February 2019

58 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2019 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Acquiring the skills to work in the global economy is enhanced through foreign language learning and exposure to foreign cultures and professional opportunities abroad. who share their specialized skills with foreign exchange partici- pants, to schools and universities hosting educational exchanges and businesses that host foreign professionals who, in the pro- cess, contribute to Americans’ international expertise and networks. We expand economic pros- perity by increasing the capa- bility of Americans to operate internationally and furthering the reach of U.S. businesses and institutions. Acquiring the skills to work in the global economy is enhanced through foreign language learning and exposure to foreign cultures and professional opportunities abroad. Thousands of businesses across this country tell us they are stronger because of exchange participants. Seasonal busi- nesses in destinations like Ocean City, Maryland, and Santa Cruz, California, tell us that they would not be open with- out exchange participants on Summer Work Travel, who can work in late spring or early fall when Ameri- can students are in school. These participants bring new perspectives to American businesses, while also allow- ing these businesses to stay open longer, after American students return to school. To increase global competitiveness, ECA helps to interna- tionalize workplaces and U.S. campuses, supporting profes- sionals and foreign students who study and work alongside Americans. State Department exchange programs are making a real difference in our economy and in our global economic and trade relationships—one exchange participant at a time. n