Research related to speech acts in speeches is frequently conducted, particularly in the context of speeches delivered by political figures, presidents, and prominent figures, due to the significant influence these individuals exert. However, speeches by international exchange program students receive less attention despite their potential impact to influence audiences and broaden cross-cultural understanding. Therefore, this study investigates the types of illocutionary speech acts employed by 20 undergraduate participants from Brazil, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Russia, who were part of 2021 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Education and the Future of Work. Although at first the program took place virtually in 2021, then continue in person at Seattle in 2022. The theme of the analyzed speeches is "This I Believe."

A descriptive-qualitative method was employed, with data collected through audio and video recordings, transcribed and analyzed using Searle’s speech act theory. To ensure the validity of the findings, investigator triangulation was applied, utilizing different investigators to balance subjective influences.Based on the findings, it was discovered that the exchange students' speeches, which employed illocutionary speech actions including assertive, directives, commisives and expressive, function to represent their cultural background and life experiences. Even so, no declaration speech act was discovered. According to the data, assertive are the most frequently used. 

In conclusion, the study demonstrates that SUSI participants predominantly relied on assertive illocutionary acts to articulate their personal beliefs and values in their "This I Believe" speeches. The use of other speech acts such as commissives, directives, and expressive complemented the assertive, adding depth and emotional resonance to the speeches. This analysis highlights the importance of understanding the types of speech acts in different contexts, as they reveal the underlying intentions and strategies of the speakers in conveying their messages.