International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) builds mutual understanding through carefully designed short-term visits to the United States for current and emerging foreign leaders.

Through the combination of meetings, site visits, and focused cultural events, IVLP, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, promotes a deeper understanding of the United States; a thorough exposure to a range of responsible viewpoints; and the opportunity to develop meaningful professional relationships with American counterparts.

With an 80-plus-year history, it is the longest-running State Department-sponsored exchange program. Cultural Vistas is one of eight National Program Agencies (NPAs) that works together with the U.S. Department of State to administer, design, and implement IVLP projects.

In this role, our staff are responsible for arranging professional and cultural itineraries throughout the United States that directly support and advance U.S. foreign policy goals, while reflecting the interests of each international visitor. We perform significant research into project themes, arrange an orientation session in Washington, D.C., and work with affiliates of Global Ties U.S. to complete each IVLP project.

Cultural Vistas partners with the U.S. Department of State on the IVLP program. We are currently reviewing this page to ensure compliance with recent executive orders and other guidance.