International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

This past week, we had the pleasure of hosting an incredible group from Mexico as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on Management and Economic Development of Sports Facilities, and wow, what a visit it was! ? International professionals passionate about sports, community, and economic growth came to gain insights into how U.S. stadiums tackle big challenges like boosting revenue, creating jobs, and building lasting community impact. ?? Their L.A. journey facilitated by ICDLA was packed with exciting experiences that blended professional learning with a dose of fun. ???? From the dazzling SoFi Stadium ???, where they dove into preparing for global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup; to the legendary Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where history meets innovation in hosting mega-events like the upcoming 2028 Olympics, our visitors had the chance to explore how sports and culture intertwine to create vibrant communities. ??? They also witnessed the electric energy at the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Cincinnati Bengals game - because what better way to understand sports culture than to experience it firsthand? ?? ?? Through visits to places like LA Galaxy, Dignity Health Sports Park, and UCLA Athletics, the group got a behind-the-scenes look at how stadiums and sports facilities can be more than just venues - they can be hubs for job creation, corporate social responsibility, and even cultural districts that shape entire neighborhoods. ? ?? This exchange wasn’t just about sharing strategies and ideas. It was about building connections, creating partnerships, and showing how sports can bring people together across borders. Programs like these remind us of the power of collaboration and how we all win when we work together. ?? #CitizenDiplomacy #IVLP #Sports #ICDLA

In early November, education officials from Nigeria participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) to explore historic examples and gather new ideas and perspectives as they work to develop the national peace education curriculum for Nigerian secondary schools. During this exchange program, they visited Washington DC and Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama. In Washington DC, they engaged in insightful lectures and discussions at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM), where they met with a Holocaust survivor and toured exhibits. Participants also met with U.S. Department of State officials and attended a roundtable discussion, hosted by the United States Institute of Peace. In Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, they examined the history of slavery, racial injustice, and civil rights movement and explored local Holocaust education resources and approaches. A big thank you to our implementing partners for making this impactful program possible! Together, we are building a future of peace and understanding! Photo credit: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Photographer: Joel Mason-Gaines Global Ties Alabama | Meridian International Center | UNESCO | #IVLP

Each of us can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. On December 4, 2024 at 9:30 AM ET, tune in to learn about innovative approaches to end human trafficking from all over the world. Register to attend: https://lnkd.in/e6jgSKrE #IVLP | Global Ties U.S.

Kudos to International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and TechWomen #ExchangeAlumni Daniar Amanaliev and Aisalkyn Talasbekova, 2023 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (#AEIF) winners, for putting on three STEAM Camps throughout Kyrgyzstan! These camps helped young girls to build confidence through science and art, preparing future leaders in STEM.? https://bit.ly/3ZlwNo1 U.S. Department of State

Registration for the #GlobalTies2025 National Meeting: "Stronger Alliances, Stronger Communities," is now open! Join us February 18-21 in downtown Washington, DC to discover how #InternationalExchange programs build?Stronger Alliances?abroad to advance U.S. national security, and?Stronger Communities?and workforces right here at home.?We'll also celebrate the 85th anniversary of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the United States’ flagship professional exchange program, which is implemented by the Global Ties Network. The National Meeting is the ultimate annual gathering for #PublicDiplomacy leaders and supporters. Join our #IVLPCommunity and be part of it: gties.us/2025NM

?? Celebrating International Education Week! ?? This week, we highlight the transformative power of international exchange and the inspiring stories of #ExchangeAlumni who have broadened their horizons through global experiences. At Global Ties Sacramento, we see firsthand how exchange programs spark meaningful change. Last fall, we welcomed nine higher education professionals from Africa through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Their program, Developing University Partnerships: Connecting African Universities with HBCUs, explored administration best practices at U.S. Higher Education Institutions. One alumnus, Yohanan Yokamo, was awarded the 2024 IVLP Impact Award for his project, the Strengthening Democracy and Promotion of Good Governance Bootcamp for Young Leaders in Hawassa City, Ethiopia. Supported by Meridian International Center in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, this initiative provides grants of up to $5,000 for alumni-led projects addressing global challenges, strengthening networks, and driving lasting change. Yohanan’s IVLP experience inspired the creation of his impactful initiative. The project provides a platform for young leaders in Hawassa City to learn about basic democracy and good governance practices through capacity-building training. As the Director for International Relations and Alumni Affairs at Hawassa University and a PhD candidate in Public Policy Studies, Yohanan’s project empowers young leaders in his community. Through a series of five workshops, participants explore democracy, rule of law, peaceful power transfers, civic participation, and human rights. Reflecting on his exchange experience, Yohanan shares: “On my IVLP trip, I met with University of California Davis School of Law and Howard University Political Science Department and was inspired by the democratic institutions and governance... I had an opportunity to have conversations with law and political science researchers, administrators, and faculty members from different colleges.” As we celebrate #IEW2024, let’s recognize how international education shapes tomorrow’s global citizens. #ExchangeMatters #CitizenDiplomacy #InternationalExchange #IVLPImpact IVLP Impact Award Profile: https://lnkd.in/g_C6YAnt

From India ???? to Indiana ????! Recently, law enforcement representatives from India visited Indianapolis, a city that is home to a vibrant and growing tech industry sector, to examine U.S. best practices in leveraging technology to prevent, disrupt, and reduce human trafficking.? ? Thank you to all who met with and supported this professional exchange program! By working together and sharing knowledge and expertise, we can enhance our efforts to end human trafficking. #IVLP | The International Center (Indianapolis) | World Learning

Enhance your professional skills and expand your world! ?? Meet current and emerging leaders from all over the globe in your community through International Visitor Leadership Program (#IVLP), the U.S. Department of State's premier professional exchange program. If you live in the United States, visit www.globaltiesus.org to learn more. Global Ties U.S.

“During my participation in the IVLP program, I had the opportunity to visit various organizations and enterprises such as the Nebraska Innovation Campus, Common Good Farm, and the ECHO Collective, which significantly influenced my understanding of innovation, sustainable development, and intercultural exchange. These experiences inspired the creation of the NextGen Women Leaders: Entrepreneurial Empowerment Initiative project.” - Bayan Toikebayeva, a business professional and IVLP Impact Awardee from Kazakhstan.? ? Through her IVLP Impact Award project, Bayan is equipping young Kazakhstani women with skills, knowledge, and networks for success in technology fields through workshops, podcasts, and networking events.?? ? Check out Bayan’s project, NextGen Women Leaders: Entrepreneurial Empowerment Initiative, and?other IVLP Impact Award projects here:?https://lnkd.in/dTAdNmE7. #IVLP | #ExchangeAlumni - Alumni Affairs - State Dept. | Meridian International Center | World Learning | Global Ties Nebraska | Global Ties Detroit | World Affairs Council of Las Vegas

Entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan recently met with the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion to learn about state-wide initiatives to expand broadband access in New Mexico. Together, they discussed the impact of internet connectivity on entrepreneurship and small business development,?particularly in rural communities.? ? This meeting was part of an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) examining national, state, and local efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the United States. Read more about this visit here:?https://lnkd.in/eGAmxk4U Global Ties ABQ | World Learning | Global Ties Detroit | World Trade Center Institute | Tulsa Global Alliance | Gulf Coast Diplomacy