International Visitor Leadership Program

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Professional meetings reflect the participants’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States. Since its launch in 1940, more than 200,000 participants have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including more than 500 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government. There is no application for IVLP. Participants are nominated by U.S. Embassies around the world. For those who live in the United States, there are many opportunities to get involved at the community level. Visit the Global Ties U.S. website (globaltiesus.org) for a list of community-based IVLP partners.