The Institute of International Education (IIE) is the world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. Its expertise enables institutions and individuals to build capacity in their home countries and regions. As the most experienced global higher education and professional exchange agency, IIE provides training and leadership development programs for public and private sector institutions. Overseas, the Institute organizes democracy-building, civil society, and human rights training initiatives that promote development in transitional societies; in the U.S., IIE provides international affairs programs and visitor and protocol services that enrich communities and regions.
Founded in 1919 as an independent, non-profit organization, IIE is a trusted resource for educators and institutions worldwide. Its mission is to:
promote closer educational relations between the people of the United States and other countries; increase the number of students, scholars and professionals who have the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research outside of their own country;
strengthen and internationalize institutions of higher learning throughout the world;
rescue scholars and promote academic freedom around the world;
foster sustainable development through training programs in energy, environment, business management, and leadership development;
partner with corporations, foundations, and governments in finding and developing people able to think and work on a global basis.
Sponsors of IIE’s 250 programs worldwide include the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Bank, major philanthropic foundations, private and public corporations, several foreign governments, and individuals. Nearly 4,000 men and women from the United States and 14,000 from 175 countries study, conduct research, receive practical training, or provide technical assistance through these programs.
IIE fulfills its mission and achieves the objectives of its sponsors by conducting the following activities in the U.S., a participant’s home country, or a third country:
developing and managing effective academic or technical training programs,
arranging internships and professional placements,
administering small grants programs,
facilitating technical assistance,
providing centralized international purchasing services,
convening international conferences,
administering English language training, and
guiding professional exchanges.