Current and emerging leaders from across the world come to the United States on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) to meet with professional counterparts and visit U.S. public and private sector organizations related to their field of interest. International Visitors typically travel to four U.S. communities over three weeks, although projects vary based on themes, Embassy requests, and other factors. Participants travel alone, with others from their home country, or they may be in a group of all different nationalities, depending on the theme.

While in the U.S., International Visitors typically start in Washington, D.C., then travel to three additional cities or towns that highlight the tremendous diversity of the U.S. They attend professional appointments with their American counterparts, learn about the U.S. system of government at the national, state and local levels, visit American schools, and experience American culture and social life.

International Visitors also share their culture and offer insight on best practices and perspectives with their hosts in the United States. International Visitors are accompanied by either foreign language interpreters or English language officers, contractors though the State Department’s Office of Language Services, who also facilitate travel and help explain American society, history, and culture.