Education and Culture
The Cultural Affairs Office within the Public Affairs Section manages the mission's educational and cultural programs. Its aim is to promote mutual understanding between Iraqis and Americans. Cultural Affairs works closely with Iraqi institutions to organize exchanges, workshops, lectures, and presentations by U.S. academics, specialists, writers and artists. The programs cover a wide range of interests including economics, international relations, democracy building, American studies, environment, law, commerce, and the arts. Cultural Affairs also organizes American fine arts exhibits and public performances by American artists, musicians, and theater groups.
Educational Exchange
The Cultural Affairs section arranges a variety of U.S.-government sponsored exchange programs that link Iraqis and Americans. These programs are intended to introduce participants to the United States and American people and culture, as well as provide them with a chance to exchange ideas with their American colleagues. Educational and cultural exchanges create human bonds and enduring relationships that build bridges of cooperation and understanding between peoples.
Among the thousands of distinguished individuals who have participated in U.S. government exchange programs over the past five decades are more than 200 current and former Chiefs of State, 1,500 cabinet-level ministers, and many, many other distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors.
The invitation to visit the U.S. under the auspices of the majority of these exchange programs is extended by U.S. embassies. For that reason, individuals cannot apply to participate in these programs. Please visit the EducationUSA website for information about studying in the U.S.