Cultural Exchange Program

Authority for the Exchange Visitor Program derives from the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, also know as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. Activities of the Act are facilitated, in part, through the designation of public and private entities as sponsors of the Exchange Visitor Program.

The U. S. Department of State designates organizations such as; government agencies, academic institutions, educational and cultural organizations, and corporations to administer exchange visitor programs. Private companies are required to obtain "no objection" letters from the State Department of Education for each state in which foreign teachers will be placed. Companies that place teachers in South Carolina ensure that their teachers can be certified under the International Certificate. The company must submit applications for the teachers and ensure that teachers meet all requirements for the certificate.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is designated as a sponsor of an Exchange Visitor Program by the United States Department of State. There are also a number of private companies that are designated sponsors who place teachers in South Carolina and other states. Companies that have obtained "no objection" letters from the SCDE and place teachers in South Carolina are: Amity Institute, Foreign Academic and Cultural Exchange Services (FACES), International Teacher Exchange Services (ITES), and Visiting International Faculty Program (VIF).