International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), launched in 1940, promotes mutual understanding between the United States and other nations through carefully designed professional visits to the United States for current and emerging foreign leaders. The participants, selected by U.S. embassies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, represent government, politics, the media, education, nongovernmental organizations, the arts, public health, international security, business and trade, and other fields. More than 5,000 professionals from all over the world participate in the IVLP each year, with FHI 360 designing and implementing programs for 500 of these visitors. During their two- to three-week stays in the United States, participants meet with their American counterparts to share experiences and best practices, while also learning about U.S. culture and society.