The Ties that Bind: Strengthening U.S. – LAC Educational Exchange for Public Diplomacy

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Institute of International Education (IIE) invite you to an event examining the role of educational exchanges in strengthening ties between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The United States and Latin America have built decades of academic, cultural, and scientific exchange that have shaped political leaders, business founders, and diplomats across the hemisphere. Educational exchanges have long been a cornerstone of U.S. diplomacy, fostering trust, expanding human capital, and advancing shared prosperity. As global competition for talent intensifies and China expands its educational footprint in the region, these exchanges remain one of the few U.S. foreign policy tools that simultaneously strengthen diplomacy, build human capital, and generate economic returns.

This discussion will assess the impact and enduring importance of these programs—from their contributions to workforce development and entrepreneurship to their influence on public diplomacy and leadership networks—and explore how they can adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape. Panelists will consider both the opportunities and obstacles shaping educational mobility today, including cost, visa policy, credential recognition, and growing competition from other destinations. The event will also look ahead to innovative models of cooperation that can make exchanges more inclusive, affordable, and strategic for the next generation.

This event is made possible through the generous support of the Richard Lounsbery Foundation.

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