International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

We host up to 75 exchange visitors annually through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). IVLP participants travel to the United States for short-term exchange programs designed to build understanding between professionals from abroad and local communities.

Through workshops, volunteer activities, and site visits, we work with local specialists across disciplines as resources for engaging and informative meetings for international leaders. These are exchange programs that matters and provide strong global ties to Rochester. Programs explore a variety of careers whether it’s the arts, business, STEM, interfaith dialogue, education, government, nonprofits, politics, volunteerism and other fields.

Rochester Global Connections provides a deeper understanding of the Rochester community. Members provide dinner hospitality to international visitors to offer an authentic cultural experience. 

Rochester Global Connections is a member of Global Ties U.S., a national nonprofit partner of the U.S. Department of State.

Open World

The Open World Program is administered by the Open World Leadership Center under the auspices of the U.S. Library of Congress. It is one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs for countries of the post-Soviet era.  Individuals are identified to visit the U.S. based on a common area of expertise such as education, government or telemedicine. We host delegations in Rochester and arrange professional appointments, cultural activities, and a community meeting.  

Learn more about becoming a homestay host here. 

Community Connections

The Community Connections Program brings together professionals from Belarus with U.S. counterparts through tailored professional exchanges in communities across the U.S. During their three-week stay, participants establish professional connections, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of a democratic, free-market economy, and examine practices and experience that may be adapted back home to address local challenges. Community Connections is funded through USAID'S Bureau of Education Growth and Trade (EGAT)/Office of Education.

Previous program themes in Rochester included "STEM Education for Schoolchildren" and "Promoting Civic Participation through Urban Initiatives".

Learn more about becoming a homestay host here. 

Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP)

The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) brings English-speaking Iraqi secondary school students to the U.S. for a summer exchange to explore themes of leadership development, civic rights and responsibilities, respect for diversity, and community engagement.

In partnership with Allendale Columbia School, RGC provides a two week program for Iraqi and local high school students (ages 15-17) to become global leaders and develop skills and tools to address community or social issues. Through hands-on activities, site visits, workshops, and services learning, students explore the themes of leadership and community building. On completion of the program, the Iraqi students create an action plan to implement a program or project to meet the needs in their local community when they return home. Local students participating in the program will obtain accreditation from Allendale Columbia’s Center for Global Engagement.

Host families provide lodging, cultural activities, and meals. If you are interested in hosting a student, apply here.

To enroll in the Global Connections Leadership Academy and IYLEP program as a local high school student, please complete the application here.

The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by World Learning.

Jóvenes en Acción (Youth in Action)

This exchange is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy Mexico City with funding provided by the U.S. Government, La Secretaría de Educación Pública and private funders. Participants explore themes such as bullying, human rights, anti-discrimination efforts, access to a clean environment, financial literacy, innovation and entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. The goals of the Jóvenes en Acción Program are to promote mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and Mexico, prepare youth leaders to become responsible citizens and contributing members of their communities, and nurture a cohort of students to be actively engaged in addressing issues of concern in their schools and communities upon their return home.

In partnership with the Office of Global Education & International Services at Monroe Community College, RGC provides a 12-day program for the young leaders, with the goal of fostering civic engagement and leadership skills. The students return to their home communities with the knowledge and inspiration to implement and carry out their own service projects.

Host families provide lodging, cultural activities, and meals. If you are interested in hosting a student, apply here.

The Jóvenes en Acción Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by World Learning.