The International Affairs (IA) staff coordinates the U.S. Department of Education's international efforts and advises the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and other U.S. Department of Education officials on international matters that may affect U.S. education and/or Department policy.

Specifically, the International Affairs staff:

• serves as a source of information on international education issues and events;
• helps to develop cooperative international activities in education with other nations;
• coordinates the U.S. Department of Education's participation in international organizations;
• provides information on the U.S. education system to foreign nationals and government officials;
• provides information on education policies and practices abroad;
• develops briefing materials and follow-up strategies for visits between foreign officials, the Secretary, and other U.S. Department of Education officials.