The International Visitor Leadership Program

The International Visitor Leadership Program is a U.S. Government funded exchange program with the goal to increase mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through communication on personal and professional levels. 

Every year, more than 4,400 established or potential foreign leaders from around the world, including more than 100 from China, take advantage of the International Visitor Leadership Program to experience the United States firsthand.  They participate in projects with themes such as government, media, education, economics, environment, labor, and rule of law, among many others. 

Officers from the U.S. Embassy or the Consulates General select the participants, who then visit the United States for two to three weeks to meet with their professional counterparts.  The U.S. Department of State covers all program costs including economy class airfare, standard hotel accommodations, meals, ground transportation and interpretation.

There are both individual and group projects. Individual projects are tailored for one visitor's professional interests, while group projects focus on the common professional interests of the group.  In China, most projects are group projects with two to eight participants.  In many cases all members of the group are from China and an interpreter travels with the group so that meetings can be conducted in Chinese.  In other cases the projects have groups of 10-20 participants from around the world and the program is conducted in English.

The primary emphasis of the program is on professionally-oriented meetings.  However, the visitors will also be exposed to the ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic diversity of the United States.  Visitors will have the chance to see historic sites and scenic areas and take part in cultural events.

The International Visitors’ personal and professional experiences in America will enable the participants to understand better the people and culture of the United States. 

For more information about the International Visitor Leadership Program, please contact Wang YuChen (Tracy) at wangYC@state.gov