The State Department's internal watchdog says the nation's foreign exchange student programs need better federal oversight.

The department's acting inspector general, Harold Geisel, says in a report that the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has largely abdicated its duty to ensure the well-being of thousands of exchange students who come to the U.S. each year. Instead, the sponsoring organizations themselves have been tasked with monitoring their own programs.

The inspector general began a review in the wake of allegations that a Pennsylvania woman placed five exchange students in filthy homes. Edna Burgette is charged with five counts of criminal negligence. The bureau requested the audit, and said Friday it has already taken steps to improve oversight.