The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (formerly USIA) has a network of 10 Regional Educational Advising Coordinators (REACs) who act as resources for educational advisers in every geographic region. REACs encourage communication and networking among EducationUSA advising centers, act as a liaison for the area with the Educational Information and Resources Branch (ECA/A/S/A), and maintain contacts with U.S. colleges, universities, and organizations involved in international educational exchange.
The REAC conducts needs assessments and training, as appropriate, and facilitates the sharing of information and materials throughout the region. In addition, the REAC follows education-related trends in Eurasia and the U.S. in order to keep advisers current and provides information on the latest developments in advising technology.
REACs work with local U.S. Embassy staff as well as ECA/A/S/A to provide support to EducationUSA advising centers. The REAC does not direct individual center activities. REAC services are available upon the request of the U.S. Embassy or other organizations. ECA/A/S/A seeks REAC input when determining the most competitive candidates for training programs and priorities for various funding opportunities (equipment, travel grants, annual reference collections, etc.).
The REAC for Eurasia provides services to EducationUSA centers in the following countries: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan. The two REACs in Eurasia, Allison Hawley and Bram Caplan, are located in Moscow, Russia.
Educational Information and Resources Branch (ECA/A/S/A)
ECA/A/S/A provides books and other materials, training, updated information, and, occasionally, equipment to the overseas advising centers in the EducationUSA network around the world. Not surprisingly, educational advising operations vary from place to place depending on demand, available staff, location, resources, and other factors. Most advising offices offer the following services: regularly scheduled group introductory lectures or video screenings about U.S. study, individual counseling, information about standardized tests, and access to reference materials (books, CD-Roms, videos, etc.). The ECA/A/S/A website is located at http://educationusa.state.gov.
In order to be recognized as an EducationUSA center in the State Department-affiliated network, centers must operate according to NAFSA's Principles of Ethical Practice in Overseas Educational Advising and operating guidelines established by the Educational Information and Resources Branch. In addition, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in each country must approve centers.
This branch also provides a series of training opportunities ranging from visits by the REAC to local or regional workshops, conferences, and focused training programs in the United States. There are 10 REACs worldwide. Allison Hawley and Bram Caplan, the REACs for Eurasia, are based in Moscow, Russia, but travel throughout Eurasia consulting with advisers and U.S. Embassies and Consulates, conducting training and needs assessments. They also respond to a variety of questions from advisers on a range of issues related to U.S. study.
Contact Allison Hawley or Bram Caplan with comments.