The
International Visitor Program is administered by the U.S. Department
of State, Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs, operating under
authority of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act
of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act). The emphasis of the program is to
increase mutual understanding through communication at the personal
and professional levels.
The International
Visitor Program brings participants to the United States from
all over the world each year to meet and confer with their professional
counterparts and to experience the United States firsthand. The
visitors, who are current or potential leaders in government,
politics, the media, education, and other fields, are selected
by American Officials overseas. More than 186 current and former
Heads of State, 1,500 cabinet-level ministers, and many other
distinguished world leaders in government and the private sector
have participated in the International Visitor Program.
The U.S.
Department of State directs the program in cooperation with a
wide range of non-profit organizations operating under cooperative
agreements with the U.S. Department of State. The program also
relies on the commitment and skills of over 98 community-based
organizations across the country. They represent a wide range
of institutions and expertise from Unverisities to World Affairs
Councils to all-volunteer. These organizations are known collectively
as "Councils for International Visitors (CIVs)" associated under
the umbrella organization of the National
Council for International Visitors located in Washington,
D.C. 
U.S. Department of State SA-44
Office of International Visitors
ECA/PE/V/C/P Room 266
301 4th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20547-0001
(800) 827-0804
