Professional Programming
International Visitor Leadership Program
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Professional meetings reflect the participants’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States.
Since the launch of the program in 1940, more than 500 IVLP exchange alumni have become heads of state or government, including Margaret Thatcher, Anwar El-Sadat, and Jacinda Ardern. Exchange alumni also include 12 Nobel Laureates, 1600+ Cabinet Ministers, 1000+ Members of Parliament, and numerous leaders in industry, science, and academia.
The International Institute of Wisconsin, a member of the Global Ties U.S. network, is currently the only organization to implement the International Visitor Leadership Program in Wisconsin.
Visitors begin their program in Washington, D.C., and over the course of approximately three weeks visit three to four different host sites in the United States to gain a better understanding of the U.S. and their professional field in this country. As a host site, the International Institute of Wisconsin schedules meetings and tours with different experts and organizations in various fields throughout Wisconsin. Examples of program topics that Wisconsin has participated in include state government, agriculture, water resources, and biotechnology.
An equally important component of this program is local cultural events, including home hospitality visits, which gives both visitors and local citizens the chance to gain mutual understanding and appreciation. The International Institute of Wisconsin works with local volunteers and organizations to help the visitors experience another side of Wisconsin.
For more information, or to learn how you can be involved in this program as a professional contact, host for home hospitality or volunteer in another capacity
Beyond Washington: Understanding the U.S. Heartland
In partnership with Cultural Vistas our Institute has implemented the Beyond Washington program for staffers of German Bundestag Members (MdBs). Beyond Washington Program is an eight-day professional exchange aimed at providing a deeper understanding of the U.S. heartland. As transatlantic relations evolve amid shifting foreign policy dynamics, this program helps participants gain insights into U.S. domestic policies and their impact on international affairs.
Taking place in Madison, Wisconsin, the program focused on themes such as local and state policy priorities, economic and social forces, justice, and public diplomacy. Through high-level meetings with leaders from government, business, and civil society, participants explored regional challenges that resonate across the U.S. and strengthen ties between the U.S. and Germany.
International Exchange and Leadership Program (IELP)
We have recently partnered with the Meridian International Center to implement a program aimed at addressing cybercrimes, as part of the International Exchange and Leadership Program for Pakistan. The initiative involved meetings with federal and state agencies focused on combating cybercrime, as well as discussions with academic centers of excellence about enhancing workforce readiness for future cybersecurity professionals. Participants also engaged with private cybersecurity providers to explore industry best practices.
Professional Fellows Program
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs sponsors the Professional Fellows Program (PFP), which is managed by national program agencies such as the American Councils for International Education. Our Institute assists with professional placements, homestays, volunteer and cultural activities.
The PFP for Europe and Eurasia is a global exchange initiative aimed at fostering mutual understanding, strengthening leadership and professional skills, and establishing enduring partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from the U.S. and other countries. Participants in the program are placed in 4-week fellowships with non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the United States, providing them with a personalized professional development experience.
