Freedom of Expression Key to U.S.-France Counterterrorism

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Political debate is a critical part of French culture.

As in the United States, journalists and independent media play a critical role in French society. Dating back to the establishment of “fourth estate” the French have protected their right to investigate, critique, and lampoon those who hold positions of power. During a recent dinner with French journalists in Washington on the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), I was reminded of our shared values and challenges. My discussion with French journalists Vincent Jarnigon and Violette Lazard underscored a fundamental challenge binds us together. Both nations have nurtured the notion of freedom of expression and tolerance....

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Humanitarian worker leads food assistance for Syrian refugees

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IVLP Alum Matthew Hollingworth talks to 60 Minutes about his work with the World Food Programme in Syria.

The Syrian civil war has raged on for over three years now, and recent escalation means there is no end in sight. The conflict has come in-and-out of focus in the voracious American news cycle, overtaken by stories of the Mid-term elections, racial tensions in Ferguson, and the new Taylor Swift album. That has not stopped International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participant, Matthew Hollingworth, and the World Food Programme (WFP) from working tirelessly to provide food to the starving Syrian people. CBS’s 60 Minutes recently illuminated his story.

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International Education Week 2014: Building Bridges for All

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International Education Week 2014 focused on subjects such as public diplomacy, international students, diversity and inclusion.

Every year, the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education collaborate to bring us International Education Week (IEW), celebrating the importance and benefits international education and exchange around the world. Schools, colleges, universities, community organizations, embassies, and businesses are all encouraged to promote and honor international education in their own way. International Education Week 2014 was held from November 17 to 21 and is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide. Continue  

Democracy in Action: Int’l Visitors Observe Election Day 2014

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International visitors observed elections across the United States during the November 4th mid-term elections.

On Tuesday, November 4th, visitors from around the world participating in a variety of our programs gathered at various polling stations across the United States to witness democracy in action. These visitors were on both the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and our GlobalConnect projects. Visitors observed elections in 10 cities: Sacramento, California, Manchester, New Hampshire, Raleigh, North Carolina, Louisville, Kentucky, Minneapolis, Minnesota, San Antonio, Texas, New York, New York, Annapolis, Maryland, Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

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