INTERNATIONAL VISITOR
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

PROTOCOL ON CALL

UNDERSTANDING PITTSBURGH

International Visitor Leadership Program
The International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) is a U.S. Department of State initiative.  Authorized by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act), funded by an annual Congressional appropriation to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and administered by the Office of International Visitors, this program aims to enhance cross-cultural understanding by providing future foreign leaders in government, politics, media, education, science, labor relations, and other key fields with firsthand knowledge of American society.
Selected by American embassies, participants are up and coming leaders in their fields.  Since 1941, hundreds of former participants under the International Visitor Leadership Program have risen to important positions in their countries.  Among the alumni are over 200 current and former chiefs of state or heads of government and more than 1500 cabinet-level ministers. 

The Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors (PCIV) is privileged to play an integral role in this process. As one of ninety-three community-based organizations nationwide that belong to the National Council for International Visitors (NCIV), PCIV coordinates the home stays and professional meetings that form the core of the International Visitors Leadership Program.  Skilled staff and volunteers work diligently with their colleagues, neighbors, and friends to provide a warm welcome to IVLP participants.  As a result, many Pittsburghers have formed lasting personal connections and invaluable professional links that have increased international awareness, facilitated business development, and improved the cultural richness of the entire Pittsburgh region.  Please click on How to Get Involved in order to sign up to participate!