WAC Exchange
We bring the world to Kentucky—and connect Kentucky to the world. Through professional and cultural exchange programs, we engage emerging global leaders with our local community to foster mutual understanding, build lasting partnerships, and strengthen international networks.
By welcoming global visitors and encouraging meaningful dialogue, our exchange programs expand perspectives, deepen cultural awareness, and position our region as an active participant in an interconnected world.
International Exchange
The World Affairs Council Exchange Program connects our local community with international visitors to foster mutual understanding and meaningful cultural exchange. As a trusted partner of the U.S. Department of State, the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana hosts global leaders, professionals, and scholars through initiatives, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
Through customized professional meetings, cultural experiences, home hospitality, and community engagement, we build lasting connections between international delegates and local citizens. These exchanges promote citizen diplomacy, empower emerging leaders, and strengthen relationships between nations while showcasing the innovation and diversity of our region.
By partnering with businesses, educators, nonprofits, and government agencies, we create impactful experiences that inspire collaboration, deepen understanding, and contribute to a more connected and informed world.
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The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term U.S. visits, emerging foreign leaders gain firsthand experience and build lasting relationships with American counterparts. Meetings align with participants' interests and support U.S. foreign policy goals.
Each year, nearly 5,000 International Visitors participate in IVLP. Since its inception, over 200,000 have engaged with Americans, including more than 500 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.
WAC hosts 20 to 30 IVLP projects annually.
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What is the role of the World Affairs Council in exchange programs?
The World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana serves as a local host and facilitator for international exchange initiatives. In partnership with the U.S. Department of State, we coordinate professional meetings, cultural activities, and community engagement opportunities for visiting delegates. Our team connects participants with relevant industries, organizations, and community leaders to create meaningful, customized experiences.
What types of international visitors do you host—and how are they selected?
We host government officials, business leaders, academics, nonprofit professionals, and emerging changemakers from around the world. Many participate in programs such as the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other U.S. Department of State–sponsored exchanges. Participants are nominated and vetted by U.S. embassies, international organizations, and government agencies based on their professional expertise and leadership potential.
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International visitors come to our region to engage with industry leaders, experience American culture, and build global connections. Kentucky and Southern Indiana are hubs for automotive manufacturing, bourbon, agriculture, logistics, healthcare, technology, and higher education. Visitors also explore cultural landmarks such as Churchill Downs and the Muhammad Ali Center while connecting with welcoming communities committed to global dialogue. These exchanges provide valuable insight into American society, innovation, and civic life.
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How can our organization benefit from hosting international visitors?
Hosting provides valuable global networking opportunities, fosters cross-cultural exchange, and allows organizations to showcase their expertise and innovation to international audiences. It also strengthens professional ties and opens the door to future collaboration.
What should we expect when meeting with international visitors?
Host organizations are encouraged to prepare a brief overview of their work, facilitate meaningful discussion, and remain open to knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange. The most successful meetings begin with introductions and allow ample time for dialogue and questions. A welcoming, professional approach ensures a rewarding experience for both visitors and hosts.
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Bring the world to your dinner table and make your table a place for cultural diplomacy. Host international leaders and professionals for an evening of cultural exchange and meaningful dialogue through State Department initiatives.
What does the meal need to be?
Meals don’t need to be elaborate or expensive.
Dinner can be prepared at home, potluck style, or catered.
Depending on the schedule, weekend brunch or lunch may also be arranged.
Who can attend the dinner?
Guests are welcome to invite family members or friends to help welcome international visitors.
Who will attend?
Groups range from 4–15 visitors; an interpreter may be included.
Hosts can request to accommodate only part of the group if needed.
How will I know their dietary preferences?
Background information, including visitor names, professions, and dietary restrictions, is provided about one week in advance.
When do I host?
Hosting can occur on any day of the week, including weekends.
After signing up, the Exchange Program Manager will contact you with specific opportunities.
What is the time commitment?
Typical dinners last 2–2.5 hours.
The schedule is flexible depending on the program.
How will guests get to my home?
Transportation to and from your home is provided by WAC.
What if I only speak English?
Some visitors may not speak English fluently.
In those cases, an interpreter will be present to assist communication.
How can I sign up?
Click here to get started
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Welcome international visitors into your home for an enriching overnight homestay experience! Share your culture, learn from theirs, and help foster global connections through U.S. State Department exchange programs.
Who will be staying?
WAC typically hosts 3–4 visitor groups annually that require overnight homestays.
Groups may include professional adults or high school students.
Each host family welcomes 1–2 visitors for the duration of the program.
Where do visitors stay?
Adult visitors must have a private bed in a room with a door that can be closed.
Youth visitors can share a room with another visitor of the same gender.
Youth visitors may share a bedroom with a host sibling of similar age if the same gender and each has their own bed.
How far away can I live?
Visitors are generally placed within a 20-mile radius of downtown Louisville.
How long do visitors stay?
Exchange programs can last from a weekend up to three weeks, depending on the program.
Do I need to provide meals?
Hosts provide breakfast items and include visitors in dinner plans as part of the household.
Lunch is provided by WAC on weekdays; on weekends, visitors share all meals with the host family unless otherwise noted.
Visitors should never be expected to pay for food.
Hosts should accommodate dietary restrictions.
What do visitors do during the day?
WAC organizes professional meetings, workshops, and cultural activities on weekdays.
Transportation for weekday activities is provided by WAC, though morning/afternoon travel to a meeting location may be required.
How can I sign up?
Click here to get started
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Our international exchanges work alongside their American counterparts, learning best practices and developing their professional networks.
Host organizations are able to expand their international reach and cultural competency while benefiting from the professional experience of the hosted fellows at no cost to their organization.
What is a Professional Exchange?
International visitors come to Louisville to engage in a wide range of professional topics, including:
Business and entrepreneurship
Local and state government
Civil society and nonprofit management
Healthcare and tech innovation
Arts, culture, and youth engagement
And more
Exchanges promote two-way learning during formal and informal meetings between visitors and local businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations.
Who are the visitors?
Visitors are nominated by U.S. embassies and the U.S. Department of State as emerging or established leaders in their fields.
They may include entrepreneurs, academics, doctors, educators, artists, nonprofit leaders, journalists, law enforcement officials, politicians, and government leaders.
Do the visitors speak English?
Many visitors speak English.
For non-English-speaking participants, State Department–contracted interpreters are provided.
How long do meetings last?
Typical meetings last 1–1.5 hours, though longer sessions can be arranged if needed.
What does a meeting look like?
Meetings are informal and conversational.
A brief 10-minute overview of your organization and the meeting topic is encouraged.
Long presentations or PowerPoints are not required.
Most of the time is reserved for dialogue, Q&A, and mutual exchange.
Speakers are encouraged to ask visitors about their work and experiences abroad.
Where are meetings held?
WAC arranges ground transportation for visitors.
Meetings can take place at your organization, or a neutral location can be arranged if needed.
How can I sign up?
Click here to get started
Bring the world to our community—and help make these programs possible. Volunteers are essential in hosting international visitors, leading activities, and facilitating meaningful exchanges. Whether you share your expertise, open your home, or partner as an organization, your participation fosters global connections, strengthens cultural understanding, and supports citizen diplomacy in action.