Professional Fellows Program (PFP)
Engage young professionals in the U.S. government and in American political processes
Initiated in 2005 under the auspices of the Legislative Education and Practice (LEAP) program, the PFP affords up to 55 promising young professionals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine the opportunity to gain practical experience in U.S. government. The knowledge and interest of these young Eurasian professionals in American political processes will be expanded through short-term fellowships in state legislatures, city halls, federal offices and NGOs across the United States. In addition, the PFP will enable up to 35 Americans to travel outbound on reciprocal visits. There are two PFP groups per year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Fellows will attend orientation sessions prior to departing to the United States. Upon arrival, they will participate in a three-day intensive introduction to the U.S. political process in Washington, D.C. and then begin their four-week fellowships across the United States. Additionally, host family stays will deepen fellows’ awareness of the United States and also provide them the opportunity to share about their own countries.
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious professional exchange program. Launched in 1940, the IVLP seeks to build mutual understanding between the United States and other nations through short-term visits to the United States for current and emerging foreign leaders. These visits reflect the International Visitors’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States. International Visitors travel in a variety of thematic programs, either individually or in groups, for up to three weeks. While in the United States, International Visitors typically visit Washington, D.C. and three additional towns or cities that highlight the tremendous diversity of the United States. They attend professional meetings with their American counterparts, learn about the U.S. system of government at the national, state and local levels, visit U.S. institutions, and experience American culture and social life. International Visitors also share their culture and offer insight on best practices and perspectives with their American hosts.
SUSI for Scholars
This program offers faculty members and researchers from various fields an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and engage in collaborative projects at U.S. institutions. The Study of U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) are five- to six-week academic programs focusing on topics in U.S. studies for groups of foreign undergraduates, scholars, and teachers. Hosted by universities and colleges throughout the United States, the Institutes include an intensive academic residency, an educational study tour to another region of the United States, and opportunities for participants to engage with American peers.