International Visitor Leadership Program
The is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Launched in 1940, the IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders. These visits reflect the International Visitors’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States.
By October 2024, NNIC had the privilege of hosting 192 international visitors from 57 countries in Reno through the IVLP program. This follows the 173 visitors from 75 countries welcomed in 2023.
Some of this year's notable program themes included:
- Renewable Energy as an Economic Driver
- Transparency and Accountability in US Elections
- Economic Empowerment for Disadvantaged Youth
- Women and Entrepreneurship
- Combatting Government Corruption
- The Climate Crisis: Working Together for Future Generations
IVLP delegates from Africa on the topic of “Rule of Law and the U.S. Judicial System” met with Attorney David Spitzer from Northern ÁùºÏ±¦µä Legal Aid.
IVLP delegation from Kazakhstan learned about Earthquake Shake Labs at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno in August.
By October 2024, NNIC had the privilege of hosting 192 international visitors from 57 countries in Reno through the IVLP program. This follows the 173 visitors from 75 countries welcomed in 2023.
Some of this year's notable program themes included:
- Renewable Energy as an Economic Driver
- Transparency and Accountability in US Elections
- Economic Empowerment for Disadvantaged Youth
- Women and Entrepreneurship
- Combatting Government Corruption
- The Climate Crisis: Working Together for Future Generations
Who are International Visitors?
International Visitors are current or emerging leaders in government, politics, the media, education, the arts, business and other key fields. Over 5,000 International Visitors come to the United States from all over the world each year. Since its inception in 1940, thousands of distinguished individuals have participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program, including more than 326 current and former Chiefs of State and Heads of Government, thousands of cabinet-level ministers and many other distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors.
What do International Visitors do in the United States?
International Visitors travel to the U.S. for carefully designed programs that reflect their professional interests and U.S. foreign policy goals. They travel in a variety of thematic programs, either individually or in groups, for up to three weeks. While in the U.S., International Visitors typically visit Washington, DC and three additional towns or cities 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 with 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. Not only do they provide language interpretation for the International Visitors, but they also help to explain American society, history and culture.
Who administers the International Visitor Leadership Program?
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs funds and administers the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). In doing so, the Bureau enters cooperative agreements with National Program Agencies, a group of private, not-for-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C. that design and implement International Visitor Leadership Programs. In addition to the national program agencies, the International Visitor Leadership Program also relies on the commitment and skills of volunteer-based community organizations across the U.S., known as Councils for International Visitors (CIVs) or Community Based Organizations (CBOs). Under the professional association of Global Ties U.S., local CIV members like the Northern ÁùºÏ±¦µä International Center develop professional programs, arrange cultural activities, and provide home hospitality for International Visitors. There are currently more than 94 CIVs in 47 states.
How can Americans get involved in the International Visitor Leadership Program?
There are many opportunities for Americans to get involved. The goal of the International Visitor Leadership Program is to promote mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations around the world. To get involved with the IVLP program locally, you can host a visitor or a delegation in your home for a reception or dinner or you can serve as volunteer driver for weekend activities.
To learn more about opportunities to get involved, or contact IVLP Program Coordinator Ryan Finnegan at ryanf@nnic.org.
For more information
U.S. Department of State, SA-44
301 4th Street, S.W.
Room 255
Washington, D.C. 20547
Tel.: (202) 619-5220
Fax: (202) 619-4655