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.
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GlobalTexas serves as the local implementation partner for IVLP projects in Austin, Houston, and surrounding communities in over 50 counties in central and east Texas.
Each year, approximately 4,000 IVLP participants from around the world are selected by U.S. embassies to engage professional counterparts across the United States. Through these encounters, they develop a deeper understanding of the political, economic, and cultural influences within U.S. society. IVLP participants also gain a firsthand experience of the United States, its people, and its culture. Current and emerging leaders represent government, politics, the media, education, nongovernmental organizations, the arts, public health, international security, business and trade, and other fields. Over 500 current and former heads of government and state, 1,000 Members of Parliament, 1,600 cabinet officials, 12 Nobel Laureates, and many other distinguished world leaders in the public and private sectors have participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program.
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One of the core functions of the IVLP is to help participants better understand the United States through the principles of our Founding Fathers and learn how those principles have shaped our country. For this reason, all global leaders participating in IVLP start their experience with a Federalism Briefing.
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The local impact within the United States is significant, boosting economic prosperity for U.S. communities. Specifically, the IVLP:
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Generates an 11:1 return on U.S. investment for U.S. taxpayer dollars, translating into real economic benefits for local U.S. communities. $7.1 million in federal funding was passed through last year to 80+ community-based organizations, which generated $81.7 million for the U.S. economy in 2023.
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Engages volunteers across the country in community service. In 2023, more than 24,600 volunteers worked through the Global Ties Network to contribute over 250,000 hours of service to support international exchange programs.
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Boosts global knowledge, skills, and connections for U.S. communities. More than 80% of people in the United States who interact with international exchange participants say they learned more about international affairs. 66% learned new skills that helped them do their job better. 58% believe these programs improve their ability to attract international investment. ​​
The International Visitor Leadership Program is an exchange program under the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The ECA works to build friendly, peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges, as well as public-private partnerships.
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Learn more:
• International Visitor Leadership Program (external website)
• International Visitor Leadership Program (one-page download)
• Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (external website)
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