International Visitor Leadership Program

More than half of WorldChicago’s yearly visitors come to Chicago through the  International Visitor Leadership Program  (IVLP), the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. IVLP participants, nominated by the U.S. Embassies, visit multiple cities across the U.S.to build relationships and exchange best practices with their American counterparts in a variety of fields. WorldChicago’s goal is to connect IVLP visitors with non-profit, business, and civic leaders in the Chicago area to spark meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Current IVLP topics include:

  • Food Security
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Climate Crisis
  • Cultural Heritage Preservation
  • Journalism Trends and Challenges
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Being with the amazing 37 women entrepreneurs from across Africa for three weeks was transformational and inspiring. Interacting with the American entrepreneurs gave us insights to other ways of doing business. My network has grown and we are equipped to succeed.

Ngabaghila, Malawi, African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program Delegate

ILVP Alumni

Since the program’s launch in 1940, more than 200,000 IVLP alumni have engaged with Americans, including more than 335 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.

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Distinguished IVLP alumni include:

  • Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand
  • Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
  • Felipe Calderon, former President of Mexico
  • Dilma Rousseff, former President of Brazil
  • Nicolas Sarkozy, former President of France
  • Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India
  • Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
  • Ma Ying-Jeou, former President of Taiwan
IVLP Delegation from Estonia IVLP Delegation from Pakistan
Learn More

Learn more about hosting an IVLP delegation at your office for a meeting or in your home for a dinner, please reach out to IVLP Program Officer Megan Spillman.

IVLP: Airport and Railway Security Delegation from Ethiopia

International Visitor Leadership Program Experiences

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by WorldChicago.

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