FACC-NY Participation with the Alliance for International Exchange
As the only Exchange Visitor sponsor dedicated to the French-American Community, the French-American Chamber of Commerce is particularly passionate about advocating for the continuity of our longstanding programs that promote cultural fluency, language immersion and professional training. As such, we have been an active participant with the Alliance for International Exchange who works to ensure that these programs remain visible and valued by members of Congress and the various government institutions, such as the Department of State, that are involved in program administration.
The Alliance for International Exchange (formerly Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange) is an association of 90 nongovernmental organizations comprising the international educational and cultural exchange community in the United States. Founded in 1993 after a merger of the International Exchange Association and the Liaison Group for International Educational Exchange, the Alliance serves as the only collective public policy voice of the exchange community. As the voice of international exchange, the Alliance promotes the growth and impact of exchange programs and the effectiveness of its members by engaging in advocacy, providing member development opportunities, and building public awareness of the power of exchange.
Most recently, FACC team members in the International Career Development Programs Department participated in a training entitled P3: Prepare, Prevent and Protect: Mental Health Awareness 101, led by Gary Robinson Ed.D., LMHC. The training spoke about the development of late adolescent and young adult brains that are "softwired", meaning that this phase represents the most growth in neuroplasticity and is an ideal period to expand one's horizens, confront and overcome any axieties, be exposed to new ideas and approaches and generally step outside your comfort zone.
Whether studying or interning abroad, it is important to equip yourself with the right emotional intelligence and tool box necessary to successfully navigate a variety of scenarios with which you will be confronts. The training presented approaches for program administrators, managers and advisors to recognize signs of mental distress and take action accordingly. Notable the BIG CAT, five-step template provides a helpful framework to (B) Build rapport, (I) Identify Problem(s), (G) Generate Alternatives, (CA) Create an Action Plan and (T) Transition and Follow up.
The FACC is committed to ensuring that all of our Exchange Visitor participants successfully and safely complete their exchanges in the United States. As an Exchange Visitor, if you or someone you know is experiencing mental distress, we encourage you to reach out to your host company and supervisor to discuss & support you or a mental health professional.
