CIR hosts visitors that are participating in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). This is one of CIR’s most successful programs. CIR, as a member of the National Council for International Visitors, hosts over 300 international visitors per year as part of this program.

IVLP is sponsored by the Office of International Visitors, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. It brings international visitors to the U.S. for a personal view of our country and its people. Based on the idea of “citizen diplomacy,” participants meet with community leaders in their industry or field to gain insights into our democracy, society and culture.

Visitoring groups range in size from a single person to more than 20 individuals with mutual professional or personal interests. These visitors are emerging leaders in government, politics, business, education, sciences, the arts, healthcare and other important fields. They are selected by American Embassies based on promise in their fields within their own countries. They spend a week in Washington, D.C. learning how the U.S. functions, for example, the federal system, role of NGO’s, citizen participation and religious diversity, and then visit three or four cities across the U.S. Their itinerary is coordinated for the State Department by one of several private organizations in Washington.

CIR volunteers arrange visits with local leaders, serve as chaperones and host visitors in their homes for dinner. Visitors report that the personal exchanges during home visits are the most enriching and memorable aspects of their visit, providing them with insight into the lives of individual Americans. For a description of how you can become involved in this program, please see the Volunteer page under Membership tab to the left.