International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the US Department of State’s premier exchange program.
Each year more than 5,000 International Visitors come to the U.S. on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). More than 200,000 International Visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including over 330 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.
Launched in 1940, the IVLP helps strengthen U.S. engagement with countries around the world and cultivate lasting relationships by connecting current and emerging foreign leaders with their American counterparts through short-term visits to the United States. The majority of IVLP exchanges include visits to four U.S. communities over three weeks, although projects vary based on themes, Embassy requests and other factors. Participants meet with professional counterparts, visit U.S. public and private sector organizations related to the project theme and participate in cultural and social activities.
The International Center of the Capital Region hosts hundreds of visitors annually and there are many, many opportunities to get involved at the community level. We are always looking for volunteers to help escort our groups, meet professionally with visitors and provide opportunities to host our visitors with a meal in your home.