International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program.  Launched in 1940, the IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders.  

International Visitors are current or emerging leaders in government, politics, the media, education, the arts, business and other key fields. Over 4,000 International Visitors come to the United States from all over the world each year, including ten to twelve Liberians. International Visitors travel to the U.S. for carefully designed programs that reflect their professional interests and U.S. foreign policy goals.

Embassy Officers select the participants, who then visit the United States for two to three weeks to meet with their professional counterparts.  Visitors from Liberia typically travel as part of group projects, which include ten to twenty participants from West Africa and around the world. The primary emphasis of the program is on professionally-oriented meetings. However, participants also explore the ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic diversity of the United States. Visitors have the chance to see historic sites, visit scenic areas and take part in cultural events.

The U.S. Department of State covers all program costs including economy class airfare, standard hotel accommodations, meals, ground transportation and interpretation.

IVLP participants often benefit personally and professionally from their experiences in America. The program seeks to help participants better understand American people, culture and policies, while providing new ideas and inspiration for their work in Liberia. Upon return from the program, IVLP participants are encouraged to join the State Exchange Alumni Association of Liberia (SEAL). SEAL meets monthly at the Embassy and provides networking and knowledge sharing opportunities for exchange program alumni.