FY 2026 Global Undergraduate Exchange Program

The U.S. Department of State is the federal executive body under the US government that advises the President and maintains international relations, serving as the Department of Foreign Affairs. It was formed in 1789 in Washington, DC, USA and guides America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy and assistance, supporting citizens' interests, security and economic prosperity.

The responsibilities of the Department of State include implementing U.S. foreign policy, managing the country's diplomatic missions overseas, negotiating treaties and agreements with foreign organizations and representing the United States at the United Nations. It is also responsible for working with non-profit organizations and foundations that represent social and political programs in other countries. In addition to managing the Department, the Secretary of State serves as the country's chief diplomat and representative abroad. The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, a division of the U.S. Department of State, publishes annual reports on global human rights and U.S. contributions to the advancement of freedom and democracy. The Foreign Service Institute, which is also a division of the Department of State, is responsible for training diplomatic personnel. The director of the institute has the rank of Assistant Secretary of State of the United States. The Office of Digital Diplomacy deals with digital projects such as Diplopedia.

U.S. Department of State key sectors: Public & Foreign Affairs, International Relations, Public Policy, Diplomacy, Socio-Economic Development, Democracy, Human Rights, Programme Management, etc.