WTCI’s global engagement programs

Global Engagement

Forums for American diplomacy

By Danmorgan12 Adobe Stock

Learn from your peers.

One person travelled from India to Maryland to observe first-hand how to stop seawater from flooding agricultural areas. Another came from Greece to learn what guidance to give to young entrepreneurs wanting to help refugees. Both were participants in the U.S. State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

The World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) finds and coordinates professional development and cultural opportunities for IVLP participants who come to Maryland. We have been doing so since 1989, for approximately 700 people a year. We also curate similar experiences on a fee-for-service basis.

People come to learn about a range of issues – such as energy security, journalism and women’s leadership – from their counterparts. But the program is about more than that. It also focuses on understanding and appreciating new cultures.

"As we keep hoping for a more just and equitable world, we will reflect on the words shared with us today by our Iraqi brothers and sisters. Their struggle is our struggle. And we hope we gave them encouragement to keep fighting for justice.”

– Dana Moore, chief equity officer and director, Baltimore City Office of Equity and Civil Rights

Get Involved

Volunteer

Nominate somebody to participate in the IVLP program. To do so, contact the nominee’s United States embassy.
Meet with a program participant to help them hone their professional development skills and learn about your sector and culture. WTCI handles all logistics, such as transportation and translation services.
Be a Homestay Hero. Host an international visitor so they can experience a typical American lifestyle in between their meetings. You will be together for some meals, as well as whatever other activities you have planned. Prior to their arrival, you will receive information on the person and their culture. WTCI will arrange all transportation and other logistics for your guest. All you need is a spare bedroom and an open mind.
Be a Dinner Hospitality Host. Invite up to 15 program participants over for a traditional home-cooked meal.

2024 Programs

May 2: Towards a More Safe and Secure World – Cooperative Efforts in Combating Transnational Crime (12 participants from Europe)
May 3: Transparency and Accountability in Government (4 participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo)
May 8-9: Education in the Digital Age (5 participants from Kyrgyzstan)
May 17: U.S. Energy Policy: Security, Independence, and Innovation (17 participants from multiple regions)
May 23: Migration in the Americas (8 participants from Latin America)
May 30: Government Media and Press Operations (4 participants from Guyana)
June 6: Human and Civil Rights for Marginalized Communities (9 participants from Brazil)
June 12 Fee For Service: Kenya Delegation (24 participants from Kenya)
June 19 IVLP: Approaches to Trauma-informed Support for Victims of Violence, Atrocities, and Conflict (10 participants from OSCE)
June 20: Combating Trafficking in Persons (20 participants from Africa)
June 26 IVLP: Economic Development of Coastal Cities (6 participants from Papua New Guinea)
July 12-20 Open World Program: Political Prisoners (5 participants from Belarus)
July 24: The Indo-Pacific Secure and Sustainable Infrastructure Program (IPSSIP) for Clean Energy (11 participants from Indo-Pacific region)
August 1-3 IVLP: Promoting Peace Security and Democratic Institutions (5 participants from Ethiopia)
August 19-23 Fee For Service: Law Enforcement and Security Exchange Program (LESEP) Building Trust with the Community Study Tour (21 participants from Mexico)
August 21 IVLP: U.S.-Estonia Space Cooperation (10 participants from Estonia)
September 12-14 IVLP: Collaboration and Cooperation on Refugee and Migration Issues within the United States (11 participants from Europe)
October 3 IVLP: The Climate Crisis: Working Together for Future Generations (15 participants from Africa)
October 25 IVLP: The Enduring Legacy of Collective Defense: 75th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (34 participants from multiple regions)