The Cultural Vistas’ Citizen Ambassador Program brings individuals together who share a common professional focus for an in-depth international exchange. Spanning both political and international boundaries, Citizen Ambassadors openly discuss the challenges facing their profession and advancements in their fields. When Citizen Ambassadors are immersed in the culture and environment of their counterparts, they gain a unique perspective for their profession at home.
Delegates and international counterparts share perspectives through round table discussions, immersive cultural experiences, and one-on-one conversations. Delegations include briefings with government representatives, international non-governmental programs, and leading educational institutions.
Citizen Ambassadors represent high-level professionals in a variety of areas, including: medicine, law, education, economic development, environment, the sciences, and technology.
Program Details
The Citizen Ambassador Program was first established in 1956 by the U.S. State Department during the Eisenhower Administration. Its purpose was to promote exchanges between private citizens of different cultures, allowing them to gain a better understanding of each other and their professions through the sharing of ideas and experiences. Cultural Vistas’ Citizen Ambassadors Program is producing extraordinary outcomes, both professionally and personally, for all involved in the exchanges.
The programs are designed as bilateral exchanges, intended to develop professional bonds between international counterparts.
Citizen Ambassadors Programs are developed in partnership with the top U.S. professional associations, commercial entities, and academic institutions to ensure the most qualified professionals at the highest level represent their field.
Most programs offer Continuing Education Credit for participating delegates.
Delegation sizes range from as small as five participants to as many as 75, with most delegations having between 15 to 20 members. They are led by an appointed delegation leader, who represents the group and their goals. Delegation leaders are respected leaders in their profession and define both the professional goals and anticipated outcomes for the exchange. The members of the delegation are selected by the affiliated entity / delegation leader for their expertise and ability to contribute to the overall exchange.
As a private citizen initiative, delegates provide their own funding, demonstrating their commitment to furthering the vision of individuals making a difference in the world.
Inside the Delegation Experience
Time and again, participants tell us about the fulfillment of sharing common interests with people who, at first, seemed so different. An area of research, a method of application, a chance to collaborate, and one by one the barriers fade.
Our experience and relationships with our overseas partners ensure that the program is well-organized, focused, and productive. By recognizing and following local customs and protocol, we lay the foundation for participants to exchange information and connect on a truly human level.
Delegates get an insider’s view of facilities and experience the culture in ways most travelers never do; observing professional counterparts in their element and facilities while also sharing best practices, challenges, and innovative ideas.
Delegation Leaders are respected and accomplished members of their fields. Representing their professional peers, Delegation Leaders are known for their dedication to their professions, enthusiasm for intellectual discovery and exchange, and respect for other cultures and approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply, you need an invitation from your professional association hosting a delegation. If you’re an invited member or if your organization is interested in developing a professional exchange, please contact the Citizen Ambassador Program at citizenambassador@culturalvistas.org or call 202-545-6830.
In general, your responsibilities as a delegate include actively participating in culturally immersive experiences, engaging in round-table discussions, and joining on-site visits with professional counterparts. Contribute your expertise during discussions to enrich the dialogue and make the most of the hands-on nature of the program.
We encourage our delegates to bring a guest. We have separate guest itineraries that include cultural visits while our delegates are in their professional meetings. If a guest would prefer to attend the professional meetings, we need to get authorization from the association. If a delegate would like to bring a child less than 18 years old, they must be accompanied by another adult who isn’t a delegate
Most associations offer Continuing Education Credits, please check with our office regarding your specific program. Individuals may also apply for CE credits on their own and World Learning will provide required documentation of the meetings and timing.
Discover how an exchange program can connect you with others, increase global skills, and drive positive change in the world.
