Global Exchanges

Forums for American diplomacy

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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 

  • 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.

Upcoming IVLP Sessions

  • November 25: Promoting Inercommunal Harmony and Inclusion (Azerbaijan)
  • November 29: Climate Change and Environmental Resilience (Chile)
  • November 30: Community Library and Youth Engagement (Near East and North Africa)
  • December 2: Investigative Journalism (multiple countries)

Impact

$1.2 Million

Amount of money the 2019 WTCI global exchanges generated for Maryland

699

Number of WTCI
international visitors in
2019

986

Number of hours our citizen diplomats, homestay heroes and dinner hospitality hosts spent with WTCI’s international visitors in 2019

Need More Info?

For more information about WTCI’s global exchanges, contact Director of Professional Exchanges Julie Graham.

Global Exchange Partners

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