The International Visitor Leadership Program: Brings mid- to senior-level individuals from Ethiopia to the U.S. for three weeks, to meet with their counterparts and examine issues related to democratic and economic reform, as well as other topics of interest in the U.S.-Ethiopian relationship. The International Visitor Leadership Program affords a unique opportunity for established or potential foreign leaders in government, politics, media, education, labor relations, the arts and other key fields to confer with their professional counterparts and to experience the U.S. first-hand.

Unlike some other programs, the American Embassy nominates the visitors who travel to the United States from Ethiopia to meet with their U.S. counterparts in various American cities. Candidates do not “apply” or nominate themselves.  Cultural and geographic diversity play a large role in these programs. The decision whether to accept and fund nominees rests with the Department of State in Washington and the Public Affairs Section in Addis Ababa.

International Visitor Leadership Programs provide an in-depth look at a particular subject area.  Participants travel in groups and generally visit five or six U.S. cities.  Participants are typically in their 30s or 40s, and are mid-career professionals with a long career track ahead of them.