WASHINGTON – Cultural Vistas is pleased to welcome eight rising Scottish leaders to the United States for the Scottish Opinion Leaders Exchange. This two-week program, sponsored by U.S. Embassy London and U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, explores U.S.-UK relations with a focus on civic engagement, foreign policy and security, bilateral trade, and environmental sustainability.
The short-term exchange, administered by Cultural Vistas, will travel to four U.S. cities over the course of 14 days. The program begins Sunday, July 10 in Washington, D.C. and with visits to Denver and San Diego before concluding in Minneapolis on Friday, July 22.
Cultural Vistas has organized a national program itinerary designed to introduce the eight-member delegation to the organizations and governmental officials and offices that drive the success of the bilateral relationship between the U. S. and the UK.
While in the United States, the group will visit government and education institutions, NGOs, and national parks. They will have opportunities to network with their American counterparts and hear different perspectives on the importance of education, security, trade, and environmental sustainability-for the economy and for society in general.
This tour includes meetings with representatives from the U.S. Department of State, The Office of Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, Trans-Atlantic Business Council, Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, Colorado Information and Analysis Center, City of Boulder, and The Wildlife Society, as well as various cultural and networking activities.
Cultural Vistas staff will travel with the group for the duration of the program. This program itinerary was designed to fulfill the four primary objectives:
Build a foundation of general knowledge about U.S. domestic and foreign policy and share UK policy practices and trends with American peers;
Develop ability to apply information learned in U.S. site visits to real-life experiences in the UK;
Contribute to the discussion about emerging issues or trends in civic engagement, education, security and defense, bilateral trade, and environmental sustainability;
Consider issues and challenges of mutual interest and develop a short summary of the findings—with one recommendation on proceeding in the direction of transatlantic policy creation—to share on the program’s virtual platform within two weeks of the exchange’s conclusion.
Cultural Vistas endeavors to strengthen global cooperation and build mutual understanding through its variety of special initiatives and short‐term programs. To learn more about the United States in the United Kingdom follow the U.S. Embassy in London on Twitter @USAinUK.
Follow updates in real-time at #MyUK2USA
About Cultural Vistas
Founded in 1963, Cultural Vistas is a nonprofit exchange organization promoting global understanding and collaboration among individuals and institutions. We develop international professional experiences that create more informed, skilled, and engaged citizens. Our programs empower people to drive positive change in themselves, their organizations, and society. Learn more at culturalvistas.org.
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