The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is a flagship professional exchange program of the United States’ Department of State. It stands out as one of the most prestigious and impactful exchange programs.
It is designed to foster mutual understanding between the United States and other countries of the world. Over the years, since its inception in 1940, this program has hosted future world leaders, and has sustained itself by bringing together the most influential participants.
Origins of IVLP
The IVLP was launched in 1940, making it one of the oldest international exchange programs run by the US government. Over decades, it has hosted over 200,000 participants from nearly every country in the world.
What makes this program unique is that it is by invitation-only, which means that participants are nominated by US embassies and consulates, based on their leadership potential and influence within their home countries.
Through carefully curated short-term visits, typically lasting three weeks, participants engage with American professionals and peers in their respective fields, gain insights into US society, travel across cities, and establish long-lasting connections.
Who Participates in IVLP?
Participants in the IVLP come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including government officials, journalists and media professionals, educators, civil society activists, business executives, judges and legal experts, youth leaders and influencers, and anyone who holds considerable influence and potential for assuming leadership roles.
What unites all the participants is their ability to create a positive impact in their communities and to lead from within. Many IVLP alumni have gone on to achieve high-ranking positions, including heads of state, cabinet ministers, and CEOs. In fact, over 500 current or former heads of state or government are IVLP alumni, and this number alone is a telling of how much important this leadership program is.
The program covers a broad spectrum of themes, often aligned with current global priorities and US foreign policy goals. These can generally include human rights and democracy, economic development and entrepreneurship, education and innovation, environmental sustainability, and more.
What Happens During the Program?
The IVLP is not an academic program, and there are no formal classes, lectures, or exams. Instead, it offers a series of professional meetings, site visits, panel discussions, and cultural activities. These are tailored to the specific interests of the participants and the diplomatic goals of the United States at the time the program is offered.
Typically IVLP program includes:
Meetings with US counterparts: Participants meet professionals in their field, whether that is in local government, media, law, education, or entrepreneurship, to exchange ideas and best practices.
Visits to US cities and institutions: Beyond Washington, participants travel to two or more US cities to experience diversity and see how American systems function at local and state levels.
Cultural immersion: Through homestays, community events, and tours, participants get a genuine taste of American life and values.
Networking opportunities: The program fosters connections not just between US and international professionals, but also among the participants themselves, encouraging global collaboration.
What Is Happening at IVLP 2025?
The participants of this year’s IVLP will visit six US cities, Washington, Albany New York, Burlington Vermont, Iowa City, and Los Angeles California, each with focused visits as per the sub themes. The program kickstarted on August 23rd and will continue till September 13.
This year’s focus is on entrepreneurship and small business development., which aligns with United States business-oriented Trump administration, which puts America’s economy and innovation at the center.
The themes which will guide the city visits are federalism and support for entrepreneurs at different levels of government, support for female founders, state and regional strategies that foster small business development, legal requirements for small business, scaling businesses and leveraging e-commerce, and more.
Notable Alumni of the Program
One of the best ways to understand the impact of IVLP is by looking at its alumni. The program has hosted:
Jacinda Ardern, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia
Nicolas Sarkozy, Former President of France
Golda Meir, Former Prime Minister of Israel
These leaders participated in the program before rising to national or global prominence, showing how IVLP identifies and supports emerging talent at early stages in their careers.
Read More: President IPDS and Chairperson of Diplomatic Insight Group Participates in IVLP
To conclude, International Visitor Leadership Program is more than just a professional exchange, it is a powerful tool of public diplomacy that connects the United States with the world’s emerging leaders.
The US State Department has always put such programs at the heart of its worldwide image projection. Another example being the students exchange programs.
By promoting mutual understanding and collaboration, IVLP helps pave the way for a more cooperative and peaceful global future. It is compelling example of how shared experiences can build bridges across borders.
Professionals who take part in the program return to their home countries carrying with them the soft image and professional excellence of the United States.
The Diplomatic Insight is a digital and print magazine focusing on diplomacy, defense, and development publishing since 2009.
