What we do
- What we do?
  
  What we do
  
  WorldChicago facilitates collaboration between people from all over the world to advance national security, economic development and social justice.
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  What is citizen diplomacy?
  
  Citizen Diplomacy is the idea that individuals have the right and responsibility to help shape U.S. foreign relations through person-to-person interactions with citizens of other countries.
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  Our Stories
  
  Read some of the inspiring experiences visitors and hosts have had through our programs.
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Our work
- Our work
  
  WorldChicago’s programs are designed to create valuable relationships and lasting memories.
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  Professional Fellowships
  
  Southeast Europe
  
  Professional Fellows Program (Central Europe)
  
  Young Southeast Asia Leadership Initiative
  
  Professional Exchanges
  
  International Visitor Leadership Program
  
  Open World Program
  
  Shanghai Management Fellowship Program
  
  USAID Community Connections Program
  
  Youth Leadership Programs
  
  Youth Leadership International Exchanges
  
  WorldChicago Youth Diplomats
  
  Create Your Own Exchange
  
  Entrepreneurship
  
  Youth Empowerment
  
  Civil Society
  
  Business Mentorship
What you can do
- What you can do
  
  Getting involved with international exchanges can be as simple as meeting a visitor for coffee, greeting them at the airport, or hosting them for a traditional American dinner.
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  Homestay Hosting Dinner Hospitality Volunteer Job/Internship Opportunities Share Your Expertise Support WorldChicago Legacy Giving

International Visitor Leadership Program

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.

2021 IVLP topics include:

Journalism
U.S. Foreign Policy
Human Rights with a focus on combatting Human Trafficking
Transparency & Accountability in Government

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, Prime Minister of New Zealand
Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Felipe Calderon, former President of Mexico
Dilma Rousseff, current 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, current President of Taiwan

IVLP Delegation from Estonia IVLP Delegation from Pakistan

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 Officer Caheri Aguilar.