IVLP Programs 2015

December 2015

Strengthening Russia’s Trade Associations — A group of 6 visitors from Russia will visit Seattle to explore government and private partnerships for international trade development by discussing the benefits and challenges of an export-oriented business strategy, as well as how to diversify global export by establishing working relationships with international trading organizations.

Vocational Education: Workforce Development Through Public-Private Partnerships — A group of 4 visitors from Mexico will visit Seattle to examine the U.S. system of higher education including organizational structure, administration, and student support services. Visitors will facilitate dialogue about how the U.S. addresses unemployment, re-employment, and critical shortages in the labor market.

Women Leaders: Promoting Peace and Security — A group of 10 visitors from Latin America will visit Seattle will deepen their understanding of gender equality and the Rule of Law by discussing human trafficking with a focus on women, refugee assistance for women and girls, and how empowered women leaders can influence public policy.

Political Action for Civil Rights — A group of 4 visitors from The Czech Republic and Slovakia will visit Seattle to examine civil society strategies to advocate for civil rights and promote political activism among members of minority groups, and initiatives to build bridges between diverse ethnic groups.

November 2015

Changemakers: The Impact of Social Entrepreneurs in the U.S. — A group of 14 visitors from around the world will visit Seattle to discuss the way in which legislation can be used for innovation, the impact of businesses on education and the environment, and how technology can create social change.

OneBeat Music Diplomacy Exchange — A group of 36 visitors from around the world will visit Seattle to collaboratively write, produce, and perform original music, and develop strategies for arts-based social engagement. Visitors will use the medium of music to collectively build healthy communities, prosperous societies, and a more peaceful world.

Entrepreneurship as the Engine of Prosperity and Stability — A group of 14 visitors from around the world will visit Seattle to examine the legal systems that allow entrepreneurs to flourish, and to identify policies and social barriers that may discourage such enterprises. While exploring various business models and innovations, visitors will observe the effectiveness of the business sector in creating jobs and alleviating poverty worldwide.

Murrow 10th Anniversary Alumni Program — A group of 6 visitors from around the world will visit Seattle to explore the rights and responsibilities of a free press in a democracy. While observing operational practices, standards, and institutions of the media in the United States, visitors will gain insight into our social, economic and political structures.

Global Health Security — A group of 20 visitors from around the world will visit Seattle to foster an understanding of the purpose and function of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), and to examine how the GHSA addresses areas of prevention, detection, and response to global health security risks.

International Trade — An individual visitor from Germany on an EU mission to the US will visit Seattle to gain a more nuanced understanding of how U.S. International trade agreements, monetary policy, and federal and state fiscal policies contribute to the U.S. economy.

October 2015

American Youth: Inspiring Leadership & Civic Participation – A group of 19 visitors from around the world will visit Seattle to explore advocacy and leadership strategies that facilitate social empowerment and justice, particularly for women and youth. They will examine model programs that promote civic awareness and youth leadership in a variety of contexts such as schools, colleges, associations, youth clubs, sports programs, arts programs, interfaith-initiatives, and political advocacy.

Transpacific Partnership — A group of 12 visitors from Asia and the Pacific will visit Seattle to examine the inner workings of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and how it will impact major sectors such as agriculture, textiles, apparel, insurance, e-commerce, etc. for both importing and exporting countries. They will learn the best practices from previous Free Trade Agreements and discuss the process for changing regulations in a variety of areas.

Empowering Youth through Entrepreneurship and Innovation — A group of 18 visitors from around the world will visit Seattle to deepen their understanding of entrepreneurship. Visitors will meet innovation and entrepreneurship policy makers at the national and regional levels and exchange policy experience aimed at strengthening entrepreneurs’ opportunities and successes.

HANDS Professional Fellowship Program on Women’s Issues – A group of 6 visitors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco will visit the United States to explore NGO empowerment for organizations that work to improve the status of women.

Advocacy and Education for At-Risk Youth — A group of 25 visitors from around the world will visit Seattle to examine initiatives that promote youth empowerment and prevent delinquency, substance abuse, and gang involvement. Local programs will focus on promoting the economic, social, and political advancement of disadvantaged youth through educational initiatives, cultural activities, civic participation, the arts, and sports.

Changemakers: Women as Community Leaders — A group of 25 visitors from around the world will visit Seattle to examine the role of civic organizations in promoting the participation of women in their communities. Visitors will explore advocacy strategies, strategic planning methods, and management styles that facilitate community advancement and women’s leadership.

Japan Productivity Center — A group of 10 emerging business leaders will visit Seattle to explore corporate social responsibility initiatives, visit a local school, and participate in home hospitality with a local community remember.

Open World Ukraine: Accountable Governance, NGO Development, and Independent Media – A group of 6 visitors from Ukraine will visit the United States to participate in professional programming with local organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions to explore the role of government transparency and non-profit development in supporting independent media in the U.S.

International Trade — A group of 5 visitors from the Near East and North Africa will visit Seattle to study U.S. trade and investment practices, as well as domestic and international economic forces that influence U.S. trade policy and the policy-making process. Visitors will also examine the growing “green” sectors: biotechnology, manufacturing, agri-business, and e-business, and how they compete in the world market.

September 2015

Children’s Issues and Immigration Authority – An individual visitor from Mongolia will visit the United States to examine U.S. policy and regulation concerning international adoption processes and procedures, laws that protect children’s rights, and laws and regulations that pertain to establishing citizenship or legal residency in the U.S.

Promoting Good Governance and Decentralization – A group of 3 visitors from Indonesia will visit the United States to examine the various factors that influence the U.S. government; including media, legislators, and the public. The visitors will also explore practices that promote government transparency, and other behaviors central to effective, decentralized government.

Risk Management in Adventure Tourism – A group of 6 visitors from Macedonia will visit the United States to explore policies, systems, protocols, technologies, and other innovative approaches to effective risk management. Additionally, the visitors will examine how these techniques can be implemented in Macedonia where a market opening in adventure tourism.

U.S. Foreign Policy and Energy Security – A group of 24 visitors from around the world will visit the United States to review U.S. national energy and climate policy challenges and international cooperative efforts to develop secure and transparent global energy markets.

International Crime Issues – A group of 4 visitors from Indonesia will visit the United States to examine how various organizations in the U.S. coordinate efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies against financial crimes, drug dealings, border crossing, and acts of terrorism. The visitors will also explore how the U.S. aids other nations around the world in managing their crime issues.

August 2015

U.S. Veterinary Sector’s Systems for Detecting, Diagnosing, and Reporting Disease – A group of 5 visitors from Azerbaijan will visit the United States to examine best practices on veterinary laboratory diagnostics and analysis methods, and to explore U.S. national and international efforts in global and animal health.

Health and Social Issues; At Risk Underserved People – An individual visitor from Romania will visit the United States to explore programs and research devoted to the reductions of risks associated with drug use, examine HIV prevention programs that have been implemented in the U.S., and explore advocacy initiatives working on behalf of HIV patients and former drug users.

Youth Leadership and Community Service – A group of 7 visitors from Estonia will visit the United States to examine youth issues in the U.S., specifically how the NGO and government sectors engage youth in marginalized communities, how to promote community service, and best practices for communicating in a multicultural environment and across linguistic divisions.

Japan and South Korea Youth Leadership Program – A group of 8 female high school students and 2 adult mentors from South Korea and Japan will visit the United States to explore civic education and leadership through the lens of entrepreneurship and innovation. The visitors will have the opportunity to engage in programs that examine these topics with their Seattle-area female high school student counterparts.

Women’s Economic Empowerment – An individual visitor from Mauritius will visit the United States to examine how organizations and individuals in the U.S. have made concrete advances for women in corporate leadership positions through both legislative and corporate policy.

Changemakers: The Impact of Social Entrepreneurs in the U.S. – A group of 25 visitors from around the world will visit the United States to examine the role of entrepreneurship in the U.S. focusing on what makes these ventures sustainable and self-sufficient. Additionally, the group will introduce international social entrepreneurs to their American counterparts to discuss best practices and innovative approaches to social change.

Empowering Youth through the Performing Arts – A group of 5 visitors from around the world will visit the United States to examine how the performing arts are used as a medium to assist youth in building life skills. The visitors will explore how art forms are used in innovative ways to address issues confronting youth such as identity and assimilation, and discrimination and prejudice.

Energy Infrastructure Projects – A group of 9 visitors from Pakistan and Afghanistan  will visit the United States to examine the intersection between sustainable energy infrastructures and the health of the environment. Specifically the visitors will address best practices on energy plants, and nuclear energy management.

Summer Leadership Program for Cuban Youth – A group of 12 visitors from Cuba will visit the United States to explore individual leadership styles, decision making processes, and working with and among various leadership styles such that the greatest outcomes are always achieved.

Elected Kashmiri Officials and Leaders – A group of 5 visitors from India will visit the United States to explore economic empowerment of women and youth, engaging youth in politics, and how youth and community involvement benefits the development and improvement of policies and programs.

July 2015

Middle East Partnership Initiative – A group of 15 college students from the Middle East and North Africa will visit the United States to explore best practices in philanthropy and social entrepreneurship programs. Specifically, the participants will examine planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation processes of philanthropic programs.

Transportation, Roads, and Infrastructure Planning – A group of 4 visitors from Turkmenistan will visit the United States to examine best practices for improving the efficiency of transportation assets and facilitating the movement of goods, the role of government officials in transportation planning and construction, measures in international trade to assure transparency, and the use of internet technology to optimize transportation and logistics management.

Cybersecurity and Asia Pacific Relations – An individual visitor from France will visit the United States to examine the advent of cybersecurity networks operating in the U.S. under the Patriot Act, how cybersecurity coincides with the rights of free speech and privacy for U.S. citizens, and U.S. relations with Asia Pacific.

Public Health in the U.S.: Grassroots Organization and Outreach – A group of 14 visitors from Africa will visit the United States to address education and prevention programs, research and development, and treatment of HIV/AIDS, STD’s, and tuberculosis. The visitors will also review U.S. policies on HIV/AIDS and malaria, underscoring the U.S. commitment to assist other countries in combating infectious diseases.

Advocacy for the Rights of People with Disabilities – A groups of 2 visitors from Romania will visit the United States to explore best practices in advocacy and combating discrimination against people with disabilities, and examine assistive technologies and services that enable people with disabilities to live full and independent lives.

African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program – A group of 8 visitors from Africa will visit the United States to explore how women and other disadvantaged groups have overcome social barriers, raised capital, and developed sound business plans that result in successful entrepreneurship. The visitors will also examine the political, economic and social factors that influence and encourage the professional development of women entrepreneurship in the U.S.

Indigenous Youth Leadership – A group of 2 visitors from Australia will visit the United States to examine U.S. laws that afford equal opportunity to all citizens. The visitors will also explore political activism and how it advances social inclusion and Native American sovereignty, cultural preservation efforts, economic conditions and land rights.

Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program – A group of students from Iraq will visit the United States to develop skills in leadership and civic engagement among participants enabling them to be active change makers in their communities. The students will also build mutual understanding between people of Iraq and the U.S. and foster a respect for diversity.

Mexico Youth Leadership Program (Jóvenes en Acción) – A group of youth participants from Mexico will visit the United States to build leadership, communication, English language, and community engagement skills. The participants will also engage in workshops, community service activities, meetings with community leaders, and site visits.

June 2015

Building Positive Youth Engagement – A group of 10 visitors from Angola will visit the United States to explore creative ways to use both public and cultural spaces to engage youth and provide community programming including sports, digital and in-person engagement. The visitors will also examine innovative uses of technology as a learning tool, particularly its use in pedagogy in environments where computers and internet are available.

Transportation, Roads, and Infrastructure Planning – A group of 3 visitors from Turkmenistan will visit the United States to examine the operations of managing a municipal transportation system, major infrastructure projects, and practices for sustainable and equitable public transportation.

Indigenous Communities in the United States – A group of 10 visitors from the Western Hemisphere will visit the United States to explore how Native American groups maintain linguistic, societal, and historical traditions while seeking economic growth and various levels inter-connectivity with dominant American culture. The visitors will also observe how Native American tribal members’ civil rights are ensured and how members meet their civic responsibilities.

Grassroots Democracy and Citizen Activism – A group of 6 visitors from Venezuela will visit the United States to explore how citizen groups, community, and political organizations, candidates, and election officials prepare and organize for elections at the national, state, and local levels. The visitors will also examine the critical role of citizen participation in the democratic process.

Human Rights, Civic Empowerment and Minority Communities – A group of 8 visitors from East Asia and the Pacific will visit the United States to examine the experience of minority and marginalized groups in the U.S. and efforts to advocate for their political, economic and social concerns at the federal, state, and local levels. The visitors will also explore the role of government, nonprofit and grassroots organizations in advancing civil rights and equal opportunity.

Promoting the Rights of Minorities in the U.S. – A group of 6 visitors from Montenegro will examine issues facing minority groups, particularly women and girls in minority populations, as well as the responsibilities that face youth within these communities. The visitors will also explore federal, state, and local policies, programs, and institutions that facilitate integration of minorities and equal access for women in the community.

The Role of Women in the Political System – A group of 6 visitors from around the world will visit the United States to examine the U.S. political system during the run-up to the 2015 Congressional off-year elections, and the participation of women in the system, at the local, state, and national levels. The visitors will also explore how women enter politics from roles in various sectors and examine the significance of women’s participation in politics.

TTIP: Trade and Economic Development – A group of 2 visitors from France will visit the United States to explore U.S. E-commerce business models, organizations and strategy. The visitors will also visit different scales of dairy farms and vineyards and examine energy transition current trends and issues at federal, state, and local levels.

Trade and Finance – A group of 9 visitors from Latin America will visit the United States to examine major developments in the global economic landscape and their impact on the U.S. and Latin America. The visitors will also explore the U.S. economic system, domestic economic forces that influence U.S. trade policy, and the policy-making process.

U.S. Agricultural Trade and Food Safety – A group of 8 visitors from around the world will visit the United States to examine U.S. policies and programs related to agricultural trade, food safety and sustainable agriculture. The visitors will also explore how federal, regional and local programs for agricultural research, inspection, trade promotion and resource conservation help ensure U.S. agricultural competitiveness in the global marketplace.

May 2015

Pathways to Sustainable Development – A group of 7 visitors from the Western Hemisphere will visit the United States to examine U.S. interests and achievements in realizing sustainable environmental goals in international trade, and to examine American public and private sector efforts to address key environmental issues at the national, state, and local levels.

Wildlife Conservation: Anti-Poaching and Anti-Trafficking – A group of 11 visitors from around the world will visit the United States to explore best practices in protecting wildlife populations and enforcing poaching and trafficking laws at the local, national, and international levels.

Trends in Tourism and Economic Development – A group of 19 visitors from around the world will visit the United States to examine strategies and policies to promote tourism locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, with an emphasis on marketing, infrastructure, public safety, and customer service.

Hands Along the Nile: Professional Fellowship Program – A group of 4 visitors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco will visit the United States to explore best practices in supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Economic Journalism – A group of 7 visitors from Egypt will visit the United States to examine U.S. journalistic standards, operational practices, and ethics, and to visit traditional and new media outlets to explore their respective roles in disseminating news and information.

Textbook and Curriculum Development – A group of 5 visitors from Azerbaijan will visit the United States to observe curriculum design, strategy, and evaluation protocol, and to understand the role of textbooks designers in the process of curriculum development.

April 2015

Sustainable External Trade Practices – A group of 5 visitors from Kazakhstan will visit the United States to understand Intellectual Property Rights, learn about transparency and notification standards, and examine the effect of regional trade agreements within the World Trade Organization framework.

Ending Gender-Based Violence – A group of 6 visitors from Latin America will visit the United States to explore strategies in combating gender-based violence in the United States, government efforts to utilize law enforcement to identify forms of gender-based abuse and protect the rights of these victims, and private outreach organizations that focus specifically on aiding and preventing this issue.

Women & Entrepreneurship – A group of 24 women from around the world will visit the United States to explore challenges and strategies for development for women in STEM. In addition, they will learn and meet various partnerships, organizations, and women in action coming together to advance women and girls in these fields.

Issues in International Crime – A group of 11 visitors from Africa will visit the United States to examine the structure of the US criminal justice system, as well as US foreign policy priorities to build global cooperation against terrorism and other international crime.

IVLP Gold Star Alumni – One of IVLP 2015 Gold Star Alumni from Nepal will visit the United States to examine the direct impact of the IVLP has on participants, their communities, and their home countries.  The visitor will also recognize the impact of the IVLP and raise the visibility of the accomplishments achieved by alumni that are a direct result of their initial project.

Scaling Up Technology Commercialization, Knowledge Transfer, and Innovation – A group of 4 visitors from Mexico will visit the United States to explore programs and initiatives to promote technology commercialization and innovation from the research stage to the global marketplace. In addition, they will discuss economic development activities designed to develop a strong technology sector and consider efforts to promote the development of STEM researchers.

Trade Issues – A group of 10 visitors from China will visit the United States to gain an understanding of U.S. business processes, how businesses are formed, cooperate and relate to federal, state, local governments. The visitors will also deepen their knowledge of how U.S. policies and social initiatives help to create a ‘business-friendly’ environment.

Transportation Safety and Security – A group of 3 visitors from Canada will enhance insight into the current U.S. transportation safety and security police and regulatory landscape, chiefly with regard to rail and rail shipments of crude oil.

March 2015

Capacity Building to Empower Girls – A group of 14 visitors from around the world will visit the U.S. to explore best practices in developing leadership skills in girls and young women, and to evaluate the long-term impacts of community organizations such as girls clubs and after-school programs.

U.S. Judicial System – A group of 18 visitors from around the world will visit the U.S. to examine the underlying principles of the U.S. judicial system, and to explore the roles of professional associations and citizen groups in ensuring judicial fairness and transparency.

Transportation Issues in the U.S. – An international visitor from France will visit the U.S. to explore transportation issues from the perspectives for security, legal frameworks, and research and development.

Collaborating on Effective International Security and Immigration Law – A participant from the United Kingdom will visit the United States to explore issues in border security and immigration, partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and their collaborative efforts in enhancing border security, and as well as US-UK cooperation in national security and counter-terrorism.

Programming for Labor Migration and Migrant Adaptation – A group of 6 visitors from Russia will visit the United States to explore the country’s approach to immigration and the law that govern the issue, current debates and challenges related to immigration policy and reform, and the development for migrant-centered adaptation programs to assist with integration.

Managing Cultural Institutions – A group of 4 visitors from Brazil will visit the United States to examine methods of promoting community advocacy in the issues of cultural preservation, implementing these ideas through federal, state and local level enforcement, and in turn managing these cultural institutions.

February 2015

Agricultural Trade – An international visitor from The United Kingdom will visit the U.S. to examine policies and programs related to agricultural trade, food safety, and sustainable agriculture, and to explore how agricultural research programs help ensure U.S. agricultural competitiveness.

Preventing Violence Against Women – A group of 10 visitors from Canada will visit the U.S. to explore best practices to prevent and raise awareness of violence against women, especially among vulnerable populations such as immigrant communities and Native Americans.

Accountability in Government and Business – A group of 4 visitors from Indonesia will visit the U.S. to examine U.S. local governments’ accountability and transparency mechanisms, and to understand the role of watchdog groups, private sector businesses, community organizations, and the press in shaping government policies.

Children in the U.S. Justice System – A group of 21 visitors from around the world will visit the U.S. to explore the U.S. legal structures in place to protect children, examine the juvenile justice system and best practices in treatment and rehabilitation for juvenile offenders, and explore international cooperation efforts to combat trafficking in children and child exploitation.

Volunteerism and Youth – A group of 11 visitors from the ASEAN countries will visit the U.S. to explore programs that foster civic engagement in underserved communities, examine advocacy and leadership strategies that facilitate social empowerment and justice, and explore efforts to counter violent extremism through community activism.

Community Empowerment – A group of 2 visitors from Thailand will visit the U.S. to explore special interest advocacy, examine political and economic empowerment through education, and learn how political involvement empowers minority communities.

U.S. Foreign Policy – A group of 3 visitors from Germany will visit the U.S. to strengthen their understanding of U.S. foreign and security policy, examine the structure of the U.S. international affairs community, and focus on American views toward international piracy and multilateral engagement in security issues like terrorism and human trafficking.

Contemporary U.S. Economy – A group of 12 visitors from Europe will visit the U.S. to examine how American industries attempt to remain competitive in the world market, review issues related to the global financial crisis that begin in 2008, and discuss U.S. involvement in emerging markets.

Women in STEM Fields – A group of 18 visitors from around the world will visit the U.S. to network with professional counterparts, showcase their scientific accomplishments, and explore policies, organizations, and educational institutions that champion the interests of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

January 2015

Youth Ambassador Program – A group of 10 youth leaders from Brazil will visit the U.S. to develop their leadership skills, seek mutual understanding between the people of the United States and Brazil, and foster relationships with individuals of different ethnic, religious, and national groups.

Transpacific Network of Multilateral Security and Economic Relationships – A group of 7 visitors from Asia will visit the U.S. to analyze the economic and security implications of the U.S. strategic rebalance to Asia policy, and to examine emerging threats and identify opportunities to improve peace, stability, and development in East Asia.

Journalism Education in America – A group of 5 visitors from The Palestinian Territories will visit the U.S. to examine how journalism schools develop curricula, provide practical experience for students, work with local news organizations and government agencies, and incorporate digital media in their programs.

American Language Teachers – A group of 25 visitors from around the world will visit the U.S. to interact with language teachers and students in K-12 classroom settings, exchange views with teachers on pedagogical methodology, and connect with educational policy makers at the national, state, and local levels.

Guarding the Guardians – A group of 6 visitors from Russia will visit the U.S. to examine how American oversight organizations collaborate positively with law enforcement, and to learn best practices for handling problems or violations within government and law enforcement organizations.