The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s (DOS’s) premier professional exchange program. Through short-term exchanges with interlocutors in the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields develop lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Meetings reflect the participants’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States. The DOS Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Office of International Visitors administers the IVLP in cooperation with a group of nonprofit organizations along with community-based organizations across the country that are members of the Global Ties U.S. network. The Institute of International Education (IIE) has served as the DOS’ implementing partner for many years, providing highly tailored experiential professional programming (including guest speakers, subject matter experts, workshops, site visits, etc.) and logistical support to thousands of participants.
In support of ECA’s effort to evaluate the long-term impact of IVLP, IIE proposed developing an impact report based on select projects administered between 2018 and 2020. This impact evaluation explores how the IVLP contributes to U.S. foreign policy and enhances global collaboration between nations by creating a platform and opportunities for international and American leaders to exchange knowledge, strengthen skills, seek solutions for global and local problems, and discuss innovative ideas. This impact evaluation contributes to the successful achievement of IIE’s IVLP Cooperative Agreement (Award) for 2018–2020 and to the IVLP’s goals.