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

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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IVLP Alumni Spotlight: The Impact of Partnerships

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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IVLP Alumni Spotlight: Spreading Kindness in Trinidad & Tobago

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 the Co-Founder of a martial arts and community engagement center for at-risk youth in Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Adrian Sealey. Mr. Sealey spent two weeks in the United States examining community resilience, leadership and advocacy skills, and effective ways to positively engage youth. This project was offered in support of the Strong Cities Network (SCN), the first global network of cities and other sub-national entities working together to build social cohesion and resilience to prevent violent extremism in all its forms.  Mr. Sealey and the other participants met with key SCN members, such as Mayor Tom Tait of Anaheim, California, who spoke with them about his campaign, “Making Kindness Contagious.” Continue  

IVLP Alumni Spotlight: Examining Museum Administration in the United States

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 the director of the Nordic Institute of Art who participated on the IVLP in 2013. The participant spent three weeks in the United States examining museum administration and exploring the role of art museums in U.S. society to create and sustain regional and cultural identity. Continue