Tanzanian visitor learns about the shipments of medical supplies Project C.U.R.E. sends to Africa from a dedicated volunteer.

For more than 50 years, the International Visitor Leadership Program has brought leaders and specialists to the United States for firsthand exposure to their professional counterparts and U.S. society.  Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the program is driven by the idea that every citizen has the right to help shape U.S. foreign policy.

In the past year, IVLP has hosted nearly 400 officially sponsored international visitors in Denver.  All of these visitors are emerging leaders in government, business, arts and culture, journalism, and education in their home countries.

The program's distinguished alumni include such individuals as Margaret Thatcher, Anwar Sadat, Giscard D'Estaing, Indira Gandhi, Julius Nyerere, F.W. deKlerk, and Tony Blair.

Learn more about the IVLP program and how visitors are selected at the Department of State's website http://exchanges.state.gov/ivlp/ivlp.html
 
Connect with International Visitors
IIE’s network of individual and corporate volunteers connect to the world through hospitality and professional appointments with international delegations. This is your chance to meet the 400 emerging leaders from over 85 different countries that come to Denver through IVLP each year.

Home Hospitality
A unique and popular part of IVLP, Home Hospitality provides the opportunity for local residents to connect with emerging international leaders.

By opening their homes and hosting dinner, volunteers are able to intimately connect with international visitors.  Dinners can be as simple as a pizza party with several neighbors or elaborate as a themed dinner.  Other volunteers have chosen to treat the international visitors to dinner at a popular local restaurant.

The most important aspect of the evening is the connections made – which can have a tremendous impact on both sides.  Past volunteers have visited international visitors in their home countries thus experiencing those countries in ways most tourists never can.  Children of Home Hosts have grown-up and gone to study in the home country of the visitors their family hosted for dinner.  And, the stereotype of the “Ugly American” has been shattered in countless visitors’ minds.

However, only members are eligible to participate as Home Hosts.
Become an IIE member online today!

Already a host?  Check out these two tip sheets, put together with the help of fellow veteran hosts. Tips for a Great Evening Hosting Arab and Muslim Visitors Have a tip that's not on these lists?  Email Nancy at narneson@iie.org

Professional Appointments

“I was inspired by a set of new ideas I can implement in my society.” - Lebanese vistor, May 2007, after a meeting with Denver Regional Council of Governments on state and local issues.

IIE is always looking to build upon our professional network of resources.  Programs span a wide range of themes from government to science to the arts to journalism and much more.  Professional appointments allow international visitors to gain insight into industries and research in this country; but it also provides the platform for local corporations to build international networks of contacts that are critical to success in today’s global economy.  If you are interested in meeting with a group of visitors please contact Mary Lou Golden at mgolden@iie.org.
 
For more information on the International Visitor Leadership Program please email Mary Lou Golden at mgolden@iie.org.