Visitor Programs

International Visitor Program

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) 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. There is no application for this program. International Visitors are selected and nominated annually by American Foreign Service Officers at U.S. Embassies around the world. International Visitors are current or emerging leaders in government, politics, the media, education, the arts, business and other key fields. Over 4,000 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 290 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.

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 participate in the IVLP program, please simply contact the World Affairs Council of Kentucky/Southern Indiana.