“South Korea is Indeed a Special Place” – U.S. Participant Spotlight

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Prue, first on the left, along with the other U.S. participants pictured in front of the Blue House, the executive office and official residence of the South Korean head of state.

For the past 21 years, Meridian International Center has successfully implemented the U.S. Congress – Republic of Korea National Assembly Exchange, a unique program jointly funded by the U.S. Department of State and the Republic of Korea National Assembly through its Committee on Foreign Affairs and Unification. The program brings together 20 young people from the United States and the Republic of Korea for a memorable opportunity to promote cultural awareness and political understanding between the two countries. Following below is a blog by one of the U.S. participants in the program, Jacob “Prue” Benson, written at the conclusion of...

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BAPG 2018: 41 Years of “Leading by Learning”

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British Members of Parliament at the House Committee on Foreign Affairs reception with Ambassador Jennifer Zimdahl Galt and Members of Congress.

This year marks the 41st anniversary of the British American Parliamentary Group (BAPG) International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), an annual exchange that is administered by Meridian International Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State. BAPG seeks to strengthen U.S.-UK relations, to enhance the parliamentarians’ knowledge of U.S. government, and to encourage leaders to explore the roles of non-governmental players in the formation of policy. Earlier this month, BAPG had the pleasure of welcoming six British Members of Parliament to the United States: Mr. David Duguid, Mr. Darren Jones, Mr. Damien Moore, Ms. Stephanie Peacock, and Mr. Matt...

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Actions Speak Louder Than Words in Trump’s Foreign Policy Agenda 

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President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin answer questions during a joint news conference after their summit on July 16 in Helsinki. Photo: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Since he famously strolled down the escalator at Trump Tower to announce his unlikely bid for the American Presidency, most foreign capitals have been wondering what to make of Donald Trump.  Is he an isolationist or someone who cavalierly threatens war?  Is he the world-renowned businessman who will make a deal with anyone, or is he someone who underappreciates long-time friends and allies?  The answer, as is typical in foreign affairs, is complicated. As foreign diplomats in Washington, D.C. navigate their relationship with the United States of America, they should keep in mind that America maintains core interests that...

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IVLP Alumni Spotlight: The Impact of Partnerships

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Ms. Mehreen Shoaib (IVLP 2011) and Ms. Rahat Jabeen (IVLP 2008) have partnered on numerous projects in Pakistan as a result of meeting each other through the IVLP network.

IVLP Alumni Spotlight features U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumni as they reflect on the impact of the program and how it has affected their work and lives. Here we feature two Pakistani alumni from different IVLP projects who have connected through the alumni network and established working partnerships to address local needs.  Visitor: Ms. Rahat Jabeen Title: Environment Specialist, Environment & Natural Resources Department, Global Practices, World Bank Country of Origin: Pakistan Itinerary: Washington, DC; Maryland; Denver and Golden, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida IVLP Project: Sustainable Development & Environmental Protection, A Multi Regional...

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Program Theme Spotlight: The Power of Partnerships

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A Law Enforcement exchange program from Kenya visited the Red Wing Police Department in Minnesota to discuss the partnerships involved in community policing.

“Public-Private Partnerships are fundamental and inescapable,” pronounced an American speaker when explaining the U.S. system of government to a recent group of International Visitor Leadership (IVLP) participants.  This couldn’t be truer—regardless of the subject, one of the most salient aspects of any professional exchange program is the prevalence of public-private partnerships (P3s). Whether in support of business and economic development or other social, cultural or academic initiatives, P3s are the rule, and International Visitors take notice.  In fact, often the first example of an American P3 is the Department of State’s partnership with the National Program Agencies, Global Ties...

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