American Spaces share America’s entrepreneurial spirit with the world. They connect people and institutions to promote U.S. higher education, develop professional skills, and link future leaders to the United States. Working with Public Diplomacy Sections, American Spaces deliver strategic programming that advances U.S. foreign policy goals.
Six broad “pillars” guide American Spaces engagement activities. Posts select the pillars that align with their strategic goals, and activities may connect to multiple pillars.
American English Learning and Teaching: American Spaces offer American English learning and teaching programs to promote English language in education, research, and commerce. Programs leverage Department-produced American English resources. They include clubs, teacher training workshops, and hands-on activities led by Fulbright English Teaching Assistants, English Language Fellows, Peace Corps volunteers, and other facilitators.
Cultural Programs: American Spaces offer strategic programs about American culture and society to advance policy priorities, highlighting American innovation and excellence. These programs share the global influence of American culture in areas such as technology, performing arts, film, literature, sports and cuisine. They connect foreign audiences to Americans, including U.S. diplomats, exchange participants, and ECA-sponsored experts.
Information Access: American Spaces offer access to information and tell the American story. They provide WiFi and internet access, and access to resources through eLibraryUSA. American Spaces may also offer physical books, films or other information resources.
Professional Skills Building: American Spaces offer programs that develop a wide range of skills in support of foreign policy goals. These include skills that showcase American best practices and influence foreign publics to align with U.S. business, technology, or innovation standards. These skills advance American prosperity and security. American Spaces may draw on the expertise of partners such as Foreign Commercial Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, and American Chambers of Commerce.
U.S. Exchange Alumni Engagement: American Spaces convene alumni of U.S. exchange programs to serve as speakers, volunteers, and advisors. Whether they lead programs or participate as audience members, Exchange Alumni enhance programs by sharing their unique U.S. experience and presenting American perspectives in ways that resonate with local audiences.
U.S. Higher Education Promotion: American Spaces promote American excellence in education, support merit-based recruitment of top international talent in fields of study critical to U.S. national security, and facilitate connections between accredited U.S. institutions of higher education and international networks. American Spaces may also host an EducationUSA Advising Center or provide access to EducationUSA reference materials. Programs leverage representatives of U.S. institutions, as well as participants in educational exchange programs, to support foreign students’ study at U.S. colleges and universities and expand global outreach for U.S. institutions.