International Visitors are current or emerging leaders from across the world who come to the U.S. on the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). While in the U.S., they 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 and Embassy requests. 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 visit Washington, D.C. and 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 American hosts. Most International Visitors are accompanied in the U.S. 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.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs funds and administers the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). To design and implement IVLP projects, the Department of State enters into cooperative agreements with National Program Agencies (NPAs), a group of private, not-for-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C. The IVLP also relies on the commitment and skills of volunteer-based community organizations to develop professional programs, arrange cultural activities, and provide home hospitality for IVLP participants. A list of community organizations can be found on the Global Ties website.

There are many opportunities for those in the U.S. to get involved. The goal of the IVLP is to promote mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations around the world. To get involved in your community, visit the Global Ties U.S. website for information about activities in your city, state, or region.