Exchange programs are a bridge for people all over the world to connect with one another’s culture.
According to Alliance for International Exchange, the U.S Department of State is cutting or pausing over $100 million in funding for at least 22 international, cultural, and educational exchange programs for the year 2026-2027.
The current administration has targeted programs that are considered “too costly” with the fiscal year 2026, proposing to cut State Department exchange programs by $74 million and Department of Education programs by $5 million.
Specific programs were also cut because they were deemed “inconsistent with administration priorities” and did not meet American interests, according to the State Department.
Rockbridge has had many exchange students over the past several years from various countries.
Earth Science and Environmental Science teacher Breanna Burden talks about how it affects the high school.
“A school like RCHS benefits greatly from exchange students because diversity is something that is difficult to find in an area like Lexington, Virginia,” Burden said, “We need diversity of culture, religion, background, and just about everything in order to cultivate open mindedness.”
Furthermore, she stated, “It’s a waterfall of consequences that will eventually affect the quality of learning especially at RCHS.”
Exchange students bring new customs, traditions, and perspectives. Ultimately providing firsthand, immersive, cultural experiences for peers. Teachers can also utilize the students’ background to enrich lessons with real-world and international viewpoints.
As of early 2026, The Department of State, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget, has continued to impose pauses and cuts of funding for Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) exchange programs.
People have raised concerns over these decisions, highlighting the negative impacts on participants, the threat of ending over 75 years of exchange activities, and the effects it will have for schools all over the U.S.
