Mission & Vision

Across Cultures International is committed to the Exchange Visitor Program’s purpose, and the objectives of the United States Department of State that derive from the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (The Fulbright–Hays Act).

The Mission of Across Cultures International is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of reciprocal cultural, professional, and educational exchanges, to promote international cooperation, and to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world, by providing qualified foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in professional, educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share their experiences, and to encourage Americans to participate in similar programs in other countries.

The Vision of Across Cultures International is to achieve success in operating multilayered activities that work together towards our Mission:

Administration and development of an Exchange Visitor Program under the J-1 Training Category that selects qualified foreign professionals to come to the United States to gain exposure to the American culture and society, and to receive training in US business practices and procedures related to their specialty background, through pre-arranged structured and guided cultural and work-based training programs hosted at selected qualified U.S. companies for periods ranging from six to eighteen months, in the fields of Information Media and Communications, Management, Business, Commerce and Finance, the Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations. This program will enhance the professional skills and expertise of such participants and improve their knowledge of American techniques, methodologies, and technology, and understanding of the American culture and society, while enhancing Americans' knowledge of foreign cultures and skills through an open interchange of ideas between trainees and their American associates.
Design, initiation and participation in Outreach activities that enable the Exchange Visitor Trainees to get involved in structured social, cultural, and recreational events in the US alongside American counterparts, representatives of host companies, fellow trainees, other sponsors, and the American public, which are intended to promote the Exchange Visitor Program, its objectives, and core American values, and to develop networks of individuals that share interests, ideas and goals. Additional Outreach activities also consist of providing support to American public and private enterprises and institutions to develop and implement internal professional and cultural programs focused on diversity, cultural progress, academic advancement, innovation, professional growth, and exchange opportunities, in compliance with applicable regulations.
Active involvement in Exchange Visitor Alumni activities in coordination with the United States Department of State, by encouraging and assisting former participants in Exchange Visitor Programs in the US, upon returning home, to effectively share their experiences and expertise, build partnerships, promote cross-cultural understanding, and develop networks that will last through generations, as they move into leadership roles in a broad range of occupational fields in their home communities.
Design and development of meaningful academic, cultural, and professional activities and opportunities abroad, which encourage and assist Americans to participate in structured specialty programs in foreign countries, within the Reciprocity provisions and objectives set forth by the Exchange Visitor Program, by offering support and financial compensation to qualified US Citizens to advance the mission of the program.