This report provides information on approximately 130 international exchange and training programs administered in 22 Federal agencies and departments during Fiscal Year (FY) 1991. The information includes summary descriptions of each program, funding data, legislative authority, and, wherever possible, numbers of participants by country or region.

The report is not a total record of Federal activity in international exchanges. Several agencies and departments could provide only general narrative descriptions of programs and estimates of total participants and funding. The material furnished by all agencies has been edited into the most consistent form possible without reducing its accuracy. Additional or more detailed information on specific programs can be obtained by contacting the liaison officer listed for each agency.

Definitions

An international exchange program as defined in this report is one designed to foster and strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and the peoples of other countries. An exchange in this context is defined as the movement of persons between countries for the purpose of sharing knowledge, skills, ideas, or culture. It includes not only the reciprocal one-on-one

placement of individuals between countries but also, and principally, all educational, cultural, and training activities devoted to those purposes.

Methodology

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Information Agency (USIA) surveys all agencies and departments whose general function might include the administration of one or more international exchange programs (as defined above). Twenty-two agencies provided the information on the programs presented in this report. Information provided by each agency or department was then converted into a final report.

Data Base

In addition to the annual report, USIA maintains a computerized data base that contains information on the international exchange and training programs administered within 22 government agencies. The system is based on the information obtained to produce the annual report. The country profiles in Section IV are examples of the kind of information available from the system. Copies of country profiles may be obtained by contacting the U.S. Government Exchange Coordination Unit at USIA.

Summary

Based on available information provided by cooperating Federal agencies, in FY 1991 there were approximately 87,000 participants in international exchange programs administered by U.S. Government agencies. Users are urged to contact designated agency liaison officers directly for more specific program information.

Training provided to eligible foreign countries and organizations as authorized under the Foreign Assistance Act and Arms Export Control Act.

Legislative Mandate

The International Military Education and Training Program (IMET) and the Foreign Military Sales Program (FMS) remain the cornerstones of the Department of Defense's sponsored training. The training is authorized under Section 541 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and Section 1 of the Arms Export Control Act. The programs support the foreign policy objectives of the United States by providing an effective and relatively inexpensive contribution to the military strength of friendly countries.

Program Descriptions

The IMET Program provides military education and training on a grant basis to students from allied and friendly nations. It is recognized as one of the most cost-effective components of U.S. security assistance. Since 1950, IMET and its predecessor programs have trained more than 500,000 foreign officers and enlisted personnel in areas ranging from professional military education to basic technical and nation-building skills. This training has enabled U.S. friends and allies to improve and promote self-sufficiency in their military forces, as well as to strengthen their own training capabilities.

By bringing students to the United States, the IMET Program introduces them not only to the U.S. professional military establishment, but also to the American way of life. Students are exposed