[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 98 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 29380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-12333]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice: 9134]


Exchange Visitor Program--Establishment of a Private Sector U.S.-
Mexico Intern Program

ACTION: Notice of Proposed Intern Program.

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SUMMARY: The Department of State administers the Exchange Visitor 
Program pursuant to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 
1961 (Pub. L. 87-256) as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2451, et seq., also known 
as the Fulbright-Hays Act (the Act). The purpose of the Act is to 
increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States 
and the people of other countries, including through educational and 
cultural exchanges. As set forth in 22 CFR part 62, such exchanges are 
facilitated, in part, through the designation of public and private 
entities as sponsors of the Exchange Visitor Program.
    The Intern category is one of 15 categories under the Exchange 
Visitor Program. The purpose of the internship program is to provide 
foreign nationals who are currently enrolled full-time and pursuing 
studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic 
institution or graduated from such an institution no more than 12 
months prior to their exchange visitor program begin date a period of 
work-based learning to allow them to develop practical skills that will 
enhance their future careers. Bridging the gap between formal education 
and practical work experience and gaining substantive cross-cultural 
experience are major goals in educational institutions around the 
world. By providing training opportunities for current foreign students 
and recent foreign graduates at formative stages of their development, 
the U.S. Government will build partnerships, promote mutual 
understanding, and develop networks for relationships that will last 
through generations as these foreign nationals move into leadership 
roles in a broad range of occupational fields in their own societies.
    On March 16, 2015, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and 
Cultural Affairs Evan Ryan and Under Secretary for North American 
Affairs for the Government of Mexico Sergio Alcocer signed a Memorandum 
of Understanding to establish the U.S.-Mexico Intern Program for four 
years. This new effort is intended to increase professional and 
educational opportunities for youth in both countries. The U.S.-Mexico 
Intern Program advances President Obama's 100,000 Strong in the 
Americas Initiative. It also supports the goals of the Bilateral Forum 
on Higher Education, Innovation and Research (FOBESSI), announced by 
President Obama and Mexico's President Enrique Pe[ntilde]a.
    To support this Program, which will be implemented through the 
Exchange Visitor Program, the Department of State, Bureau of 
Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), Office of Private Sector 
Exchange (EC) wishes to collaborate with currently designated intern 
sponsors as well as other interested entities to provide Mexican 
citizens with internships and practical training in the occupational 
categories of Management, Business, Commerce and Finance; Public 
Administration and Law; Information Media and Communications; and The 
Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial 
occupations. This type of immersion creates endless benefits for the 
individual and for understanding between the people of Mexico and the 
people of the United States.
    ECA/EC is prepared to authorize separate designations to current 
intern sponsors as needed to support the U.S.-Mexico Intern Program. 
Beginning June 1, the Department intends to provide to currently 
designated intern sponsors the opportunity to submit designation 
applications (Form DS-3036) in the occupational fields of Management, 
Business, Commerce and Finance; Public Administration and Law; 
Information Media and Communications; and The Sciences, Engineering, 
Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial occupations. The designation 
will be for a period of two years, after which time the sponsor will be 
required to submit an application for redesignation per 22 CFR 62.7.
    Interested entities that do not hold an intern designation under 
the Exchange Visitor Program should follow the designation process set 
forth at 22 CFR 62.5, taking care to identify the specified 
occupational fields outlined in this Notice. Applicants are encouraged 
to consult the User Manual for Temporary Users of SEVIS (How to 
Complete and Submit the Form DS-3036, Exchange Visitor Program 
Application), Version: 6.19, dated March 10, 2015.
    Public Comment: Interested persons are invited to submit written 
views concerning this program, until June 22, 2015. The addresses are:
     Mail: U.S. Department of State, Attn: Ms. Robin Lerner, 
Office of Private Sector Exchange, SA-5, 2200 C Street NW., Washington, 
DC 20522-0505.
     Email: [no email address was provided in the original 
draft].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robin J. Lerner, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Private Sector Exchange, U.S. Department of State, SA-5, 
Floor 5, 2200 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20522; or email at 
[email protected].

Robin J. Lerner,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange, Bureau of 
Educational and Cultural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2015-12333 Filed 5-20-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P