WACNH hosts more than 275 visitors from more than 75 countries, with an economic impact of more than $1.5 million in the state, each year.
As the only Granite State member of Global Ties U.S., WACNH hosts up-and-coming leaders from around the globe though the premier U.S. Department of State exchange program, the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The visitors come to New Hampshire for a two way exchange of ideas in their professional field, as well as the opportunity to see the vastness of the United States and meet with everyday people.
The IVLP is a professional exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Considered the world’s premier exchange program, IVLP brings current and emerging international leaders from around the globe to experience the richness and uniqueness of America. Through carefully crafted exchanges hosted by independent non-profit organizations like the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, visitors learn about the political, economic and cultural realities of the U.S., while also gaining insights into professional best practices.
Whether it's an animator from Uruguay or a CEO from Madagascar, the Council creates a series of programs based on each visitor's individual needs with resources from around the state. Since 2000, we have hosted over 3,500 international visitors from nearly 200 different countries. Through these multi-day visits, New Hampshire and its residents have the opportunity to connect, learn, laugh, and grow in many possible ways. It is certainly a two-way street, as our meeting hosts learn as much, if not more, from these experiences.
In a typical year, the Council will host nearly 250 international visitors from more than 100 countries. These visitors meet with hundreds of New Hampshire residents, enjoy numerous home hospitality dinners, and participate in more than 1,500 cross-cultural activities. Imagine how many Mount Washington cruises, tours of the New Hampshire State Capitol building, or walks on Ocean Blvd in Hampton they have done. From Nashua to Coos County, these visitors enjoy engaging and educational meetings with representatives from all walks of life in New Hampshire.
We look forward to to continuing to provide successful, high-quality programming and welcoming many more IVLP delegations to our state!
To offer home hospitality to our visitors or provide a professional resource, contact Program Director Anise Jasman ajasman@wacnh.org.
To become a business sponsor of the International Visitors program, contact Executive Director Tim Horgan thorgan@wacnh.org.
More about this program:
WACNH is one of more than 75 community organizations around the country that host visitors through the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs International Visitors Leadership Program- the department's premier professional exchange program.
This program brings approximately 4,000 foreign leaders and specialists to the U.S. for short-term (one- to three-week) professional programs. Participants in the national program, who are leaders and decision-makers in their home countries, travel as individuals or as part of pre-arranged groups.Since 1940, the IVLP program has introduced over 225,000 participants to communities across the United States through a non-profit, independent network of local community organizations. With more than 500 IVLP alumni who have gone on to become current or former heads of state, this program builds important international, long lasting relationships for our country.
Some of the groups are fully funded by the U.S. Congress through its appropriation to the U.S. Department of State, while others receive little or no financial support from the U.S. government. The national program constitutes a major component of this country's public diplomacy efforts to foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and other countries.
Through a long-standing public-private sector partnership, the U.S. government works with national private, nonprofit organizations and a network of community based organizations that are members of Global Ties U.S., a nonprofit organization established in 1961. Together, these organizations design and implement quality, experiential programs for distinguished international visitors. Through its grassroots network, the national program involves more than 80,000 volunteers each year as citizen diplomats who develop enduring international linkages.
WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF NH council@wacnh.org - (603) 823-3408 WACNH is an independent, non-profit, educational organization.
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