American Councils, also known as American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS, is an international nonprofit organization that works to advance education and research. It also works to develop mutual understanding throughout the United States, Canada and nations of Southeastern Europe, Eurasia and South Asia. With a staff of more than 370 professionals, American Councils designs, implements and supports programs in education, professional development and scholarly research. Founded in 1974 as an association for area and language professionals, American Councils has focused its experience on academic exchange, professional training, distance learning, curriculum and test development, delivery of technical assistance, research, evaluation and institution building.