The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Launched in 1940, the IVLP helps strengthen U.S. engagement with countries around the world and cultivate lasting relationships by connecting current and emerging foreign leaders with their American counterparts through short-term visits to the United States

Each year more than 5,000 International Visitors travel to the U.S. on the IVLP. More than 200,000 International Visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including over 330 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.

While in the U.S., International Visitors typically start in Washington,D.C., then travel to three additional cities or towns that highlight the tremendous diversity of the U.S. Participants meet with professional counterparts, visit U.S. public and private sector organizations related to the project theme and participate in cultural and social activities.

The ideal candidate is a mid-level professional with considerable experience who is an actual or potential leader in her/his field. Since Guyana came on board with the IVLP program in 1996 approximately seventy Guyanese professionals have participated.