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
- Cybersecurity
- Journalism
“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.”
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 Ardernformer Prime Minister of New Zealand
- Tony Blairformer Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
- Felipe Calderonformer President of Mexico
- Dilma Rousseffformer President of Brazil
- Nicolas Sarkozyformer President of France
- Manmohan Singhformer Prime Minister of India
- Margaret Thatcherformer Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
- Ma Ying-Jeouformer President of Taiwan
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.