The Division of International Technical Cooperation (ITC) of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) strengthens statistical development around the world through technical cooperation, seminars, and customized training programs. For over 65 years, BLS has assisted statistical organizations throughout the world in improving the collection, processing, analysis, dissemination, and use of economic and labor statistics. Fees are charged for seminars, customized training programs, and consultants. Short-term international visitors are welcome at BLS.
Seminars and Costs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) conducts seminars at its training facilities in Washington, D.C., upon request. BLS international seminars bring together statisticians, economists, analysts, and other data users from countries all over the world. Each seminar includes lectures, discussions, and workshops. All BLS international seminars are conducted in English, and a reading knowledge of English is desirable. Participants who are not proficient in English must arrange for and finance simultaneous interpretation. (Note: At least three participants must be registered before a seminar will be scheduled). Additional information (program overview, course objections, target audience) about the Bureau's international training seminars is available below.
Seminars
Tuition for each one-week seminar is $2,300 per participant.
Customized seminars at BLS
The Bureau of Labor Statistics may conduct customized seminars in Washington, D.C. for groups of three or more upon request on topics related to labor statistics. For example, customized seminars may be conducted on: occupational safety and health statistics; compensation statistics; employment projections or survey methods. Such seminars may range in duration from a day to one week. The content of each program is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the participants. The cost of each program depends upon the program duration and any additional administrative costs incurred.
Application Process
All trainees must complete a Training Application and a Training Payment Agreement to attend a seminar. Both forms are required to secure a space in the seminar. The financial sponsor must complete, sign, and return the Training Payment Agreement to BLS to finalize enrollment.
Training Applications and Training Payment Agreements may be completed online or sent by letter, fax, or e-mail to:
Division of International Technical Cooperation
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Room 2190
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20212-0001
Telephone: (202) 691-5666
Fax: (202) 691-5664
E-Mail: Contact us
All inquiries must include a complete mailing address and, if possible, telephone and fax numbers, and an e-mail address.
Payment
Payment for tuition, in U.S. dollars, is due at least five days before the trainee's arrival at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Payment may be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) or credit card. BLS accepts MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover. Please contact us for EFT information. BLS will only accept payment by check from a U.S. chartered bank. Tuition does not include the allowances necessary for housing, meals, and medical insurance. Do not include money in tuition payments to BLS that should be paid directly to the trainee for such allowances.
Overseas seminars
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) may hold overseas seminars on selected topics in economic and labor statistics for participants from a particular country or region. Most overseas seminars are from one to two weeks in duration.
The cost of overseas seminars depends upon the number of instructors required and the duration of the seminar. An overseas seminar may be cost-effective where a number of participants from one country or region need training in the same subject area. Due to the lead-time that is required to plan an overseas seminar, requests for such programs should be submitted to BLS at least six months in advance of the desired starting date.
To request an overseas seminar, please submit an online inquiry.
BLS also makes available technical experts to serve as consultants. The cost of these services includes the expert's salary and benefits for the duration of the consultation, airfare, lodging, meals, and other expenses, as well as an administrative fee. Requests for technical experts should include a clear statement of the purpose of the consultation.
To request a consultation, please submit an online inquiry.
International Visitors
The Division of International Technical Cooperation arranges meetings at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for many international visitors each year. Visits are arranged for individuals, as well as for groups of all sizes. Visitors include economists, statisticians, researchers, analysts, managers, academics, trade union representatives, business leaders, and journalists. Visit are typically scheduled for one to two hours. If you are interested in a longer visit, please see the information on Customized Seminars.
Meetings are conducted in English. Non-English speaking visitors must bring their own interpreter. Every visit is unique and is organized to meet the needs and interests of the visitors.
Request a visit
Requests for visits to BLS should be made as far in advance as possible. Please contact us to request a visit. Requests should include the following information:
- Preferred dates and time of visit to the BLS;
- Number of participants and their names;
- Names of interpreters, when applicable;
- Topic(s) of interest (as detailed as possible);
- Mention of any previous visits;
Security procedures
Everyone is required to enter the BLS through the First Street, NE entrance (between Massachusetts Avenue and G Street, NE) across from Union Station. Everyone is required to show photo identification, such as a passport, to gain entry into BLS. After verification, visitors will be screened with X-ray and metal detection equipment. Click here for directions to the BLS.
For additional information about visiting the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), or for
information about international training seminars or programs, please contact:
Division of International Technical Cooperation
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Suite 2190
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20212-0001
Telephone number: (202) 691-5666
Fax number: (202) 691-5664
E-mail: Contact us
