Happy New Year, everyone! We are looking forward to a great year of diverse IVLP programming, right here in NH over the next twelve months.

For individuals who do not know much about the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), there are two main aspects. First, WACNH works to provide a diverse array of professional meetings for international visitors with their professional counterparts while in the state. The second goal of IVLP is to provide the chance to give real insights into what the average American is really like.

One of the most exciting ways we approach this opportunity is through home hospitality. These informal dinners are prime opportunities that allow visitors and NH community members to meet and learn from each other. Through informal conversations, visitors and hosts have the chance to share about their culture, stories, and lives in a unique way. This is, undoubtedly, the favorite part of the trip for all our visitors!

Before we dive in further, we would like to ask a few leading questions:

Do you enjoy having opportunities to meet and connect with individuals from different countries?

Would you like to provide opportunities for yourself, family, and/or friends to become involved in volunteering in the local community?

Do you love to cook? Or, do you love to eat?

*If you have answered yes to even just one of these questions, then we would love to chat with you about  getting involved!

You don't have to take our word for it. Below is a short video we did with a home host, Howard Brodsky, where he talks about why he and his wife enjoy hosting these amazing people in their home. Thank you so much to Howard and Joan for opening their hearts to our visiting groups!

Many people have asked us about what it takes to host a group, as many assume that only those with large homes in the Manchester area can participate. However, we are looking to show our visitors what everyday New Hampshire looks like, and welcome everyone to enjoy the benefits of this program. Whether you live in an apartment, a duplex, condo, or single family home, we want you to this host. Transportation can be provided for the visitors and groups range in size. The most important thing is not the space, or the food, but the welcoming and engaging conversation. We are eager to continue to expand our NH community host list to reflect the diversity of individuals within our state. We hope to hear from you soon!

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to reach out to our International Visitor Program Director, Anise Jasman-Sayers, at ajasman@wacnh.org to learn more! Please also refer to our FAQ page here to learn more.