OUR WORK
International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
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
International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Chicago
Students from DePaul University's Geography Department and Student Urban Research Corps made an interactive map showing the reach of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Chicago. See the neighborhoods and communities that hosted IVLP groups. Many thanks to the DePaul students and Professor Euan Hague, PhD, for his support!
“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.
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
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 Manager, Kendall Kartaly.
Women, Peace and Security
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.
