The International Visitor Program (IVP) brings approximately 4,500 foreign leaders and specialists to the United States for short-term (approximately three week) professional programs. Participants in the International Visitor Program, who are leaders and decision-makers in their home countries; travel as individuals or as part of pre-arranged groups. Some of them are fully funded by the U.S. Congress through its appropriation to the U. S. Department of State (State Department). Others receive little or no financial support from the U.S. government
The International Visitor Program constitutes a major component of this country's public diplomacy efforts to foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the United States and other countries. It establishes the web of human connections that underpin cooperative efforts to solve global problems such as conserving the environment and combating terrorist activities. It builds relationships that make it easier for U.S. representatives to negotiate favorable trade agreements, security arrangements and diplomatic treaties. The custom-tailored, balanced programs provide the participants with opportunities for professional development as well as greater understanding of the United States and its people. In the process, the participants share technical and cultural information with their American counterparts. U.S. hosts often learn to appreciate aspects of U.S. society they have previously taken for granted by sharing American democratic institutions, diversity and cultural values with International Visitors. Through its grassroots network, the International Visitor Program involves over 80,000 volunteers each year as citizen diplomats who develop enduring international linkages
Through a long-standing public-private sector partnership, the U.S. government, specifically the U.S. Department of State, works with private, nonprofit organizations referred to as National Program Agencies (NPAs) and a network of volunteer-based organizations generically called Councils for International Visitors (CIVs). Together, these organizations design and implement quality experiential programs for distinguished International Visitors.
Educational and cultural exchanges have been supported by the U.S. government since the 1840's, when the Library of Congress began book exchanges with foreign countries. Government-sponsored exchange of persons programs began at the end of the 19th century, when the National Bureau of Standards began to invite foreign scientists to this country. The U.S. Department of State established its Cultural Relations Division in 1938 targeting Latin America for exchanges to counteract Nazi propaganda efforts. Those efforts were increased to include China in 1943, then Germany as well as other countries in the post-war era. The 1961 passage of the Fulbright-Hays Act codified and expanded existing legislation, including authorization for what has become known as the International Visitor Program. A time line and the State Department description of the International Visitor Program follows.