The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the United States’ flagship professional exchange program, implemented by Global Ties Network member organizations through a 64-year partnership with the U.S. Department of State. Through short-term, professional exchange programs that bring current and emerging leaders to communities across the United States, the IVLP builds trust and collaboration between U.S. and international counterparts, supports U.S. foreign policy goals, and strengthens global alliances. The local impact within the United States is also significant, bringing tangible economic and social benefits to U.S. communities.
Since 1940, the IVLP has introduced more than 225,000 global leaders, including 500 current or former heads of state or government, to counterparts in communities in all 50 U.S. states. Each visit was supported by members of the Global Ties Network. In 2023, the Global Ties Network welcomed more than 4,400 IVLP participants.
Specifically, the IVLP helps to:
- Advance U.S. national security goals. The program connects global leaders with U.S. counterparts to exchange expertise on issues that matter to U.S. foreign policy—such as climate change, fighting disinformation, and countering violent extremism—and build relationships to address shared global challenges.
- Generate an 11:1 return on 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.
- Engage 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.
- Boost 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.
- Strengthen community ties here at home. 79% of people in the United States who interact with international exchange participants report greater appreciation for different cultural groups in their own local communities. 58% are more likely to become more engaged with a local or community issue.
Please note: Global Ties U.S. and our members are not involved in selecting participants for the IVLP. Participants are nominated and selected annually by the staff at U.S. Embassies worldwide. There is no application for IVLP. Global Ties U.S. also does not determine where the International Visitor Leadership Program is programmed throughout the United States. Global Ties U.S. is also not responsible for selecting the U.S. cities where IVLP is programmed. If you have questions about either, please email Info@GlobalTiesUS.org.
The International Visitor Leadership Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by members of Global Ties U.S.
