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IAO is located in the Office of the Secretary (OS) and is responsible for the overall coordination of the Department of Education's international presence. IAO works with Department program offices, support units, and senior leadership as well as with external partners including other federal agencies, state and local agencies, foreign governments, international organizations, and the private sector.

International education is an important aspect of the Department's mission. The Secretary of Education has emphasized the significance of international education in preparing American students for citizenship and work in a global context. The Department administers over 40 international programs with annual budgets totaling over $120 million, and two-thirds of the Department's offices are involved in international initiatives as part of their work.

These international activities and initiatives are administered directly by IAO:

• International Education Week
• International Visitors Program
• U.S. Network for Education Information (USNEI)
• Coordination of work with
  • UNESCO
  • OECD
  • OAS
  • APEC
• Coordination of Bilateral Agreements
• Coordination of Interagency Cooperation

The IAO Staff may be contacted during regular business hours.