EducationUSA, is network of more than 400 student advising centers, which offer accurate, comprehensive, objective and timely information about educational opportunities in the United States and guidance to qualified individuals on how best to access those opportunities. This includes information about application procedures, standardized test requirements, student visas, financial aid, and the full range of accredited U.S. higher education institutions.

Through the EducationUSA network, advisers located in a variety of organization, including U.S. embassies and consulates, Fulbright Commissions, binational centers and non-governmental organizations, receive books, equipment and professional development opportunities. EducationUSA advising centers also provide assistance to American institutions seeking to recruit international students, and provide information on foreign educational issues and systems to help U.S. schools establish or expand study abroad programs for Americans. Centers are staffed by professional advisers, many of whom have studied in the United States and/or received State Department-approved training about United States higher education and the advising process. Regional Educational Advising Coordinators (REACs) provide regional support and also serve as a resource for U.S. institutions. More information can be found online at www.educationusa.state.gov/.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' staff in Washington work with the U.S. higher education community, providing information on international education policy, global education systems, the importance of recruiting international students, how to cooperate with EducationUSA centers around the world, and how to maintain an international-student friendly campus and website.

In addition, EducationUSA advisers are eligible for two professional development programs sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Professional Advising Leadership (PAL) fellowships are individually designed programs for senior advisors, and take place annually. The U.S.-Based Training program (USBT) is for mid-level advisers with two to five years experience. Held annually in May or October-November with 15-25 participants, USBT is a three-week program comprising a week in Washington, D.C., a week of campus visits or internships, and a week at a National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) national or regional conference.

U.S. institutions interested in hosting a USBT or PAL participant should contact the College Board, which administers both programs, at usbt@collegeboard.org.