Global Ties U.S. is the national leader for connecting people and communities in the United States with global leaders through international exchange programs. Our work advances U.S. strategic priorities abroad and boosts prosperity at home by harnessing the diplomatic potential of our country’s greatest asset: our people.
Since 1961, Global Ties U.S. has partnered with the U.S. Department of State to implement the flagship International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and a wide variety of other international exchange and public diplomacy programs. We proudly lead the Global Ties Network, which comprises more than 80 nonprofit organizations that serve all 50 U.S. states and host these visitor groups in their local communities. We support our Network to ensure U.S. communities have the tools and resources to engage globally.
The many thousands of citizen diplomats who power the Global Ties Network are civic leaders, educators, businesspeople, students, athletes, artists, scientists, and others. By forging connections with the international leaders they host, our Network members help to build the partnerships essential to solving future challenges and ensuring U.S. cities and companies can thrive in a globalized economy. Learn more about the IVLP here.
The benefits of international exchange programs strengthen local communities and the nation in the following ways:
- Generating an 8:1 return on U.S. taxpayer dollars, translating into real economic benefits for local U.S. communities. $10.4 million in federal funding was passed through last year to 80+ community-based organizations, which generated $80 million for the U.S. economy in FY 2022.
- Engaging volunteers across the country in community service. In FY 2022, more than 15,600 volunteers worked through the Global Ties Network to contribute 192,000 hours of service to support international exchange programs.
- Boosting global knowledge, skills, and connections for U.S. communities. More than 80% of people in the United States who interact with international exchange participants say they learned more about international affairs. 66% learned new skills that helped them do their job better. 58% believe these programs improve their ability to attract international investment.
- Strengthening community ties here at home. 79% of people in the United States who interact with international exchange participants report greater appreciation for different cultural groups in their own local communities. 58% are more likely to become more engaged with a local or community issue.
- Advancing U.S. national security goals. Programs like the IVLP connect global leaders with U.S. counterparts to exchange expertise on issues that matter to U.S. foreign policy—such as climate change, fighting disinformation, and countering violent extremism—and build relationships to address shared global challenges.
Stronger communities. Stronger alliances.
Diplomacy Begins Here.
Meet the Global Ties Network here.
Read more about our history here.