International Visitor Leadership Program
The University of Texas at El Paso’s Center for Law & Human Behavior has been a proud partner of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The program aims to bring current and emerging leaders from across the world to the United States to meet with professional counterparts and visit U.S. public and private sector organizations related to their field of interest. Participants of the program who arrive at UTEP learn about various facets of the homeland security enterprise. The Department of State recognizes UTEP’s location to the border as an ideal setting for border studies.
Visitors to UTEP on the IVLP have come from such countries as Afghanistan, Chile, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, People’s Republic of China, Peru, Thailand, and Ukraine. The visitors have had interests in various topics to include defending migrant rights, integration of immigrants into society, combating violent extremism, fusion centers and task forces, combating international crime, and best practices in border security.
International Visitors Travel to the United States
International visitors typically travel to four U.S. communities over three weeks, although projects vary based on themes, Embassy requests, and other factors. Participants travel alone, with others from their home country, or they may be in a group of all different nationalities, depending on the theme.
International Visitors Learn About the American Culture and Businesses
While in the U.S., international visitors typically start in Washington, D.C. then they often:
- Travel to three additional cities or towns that highlight the tremendous diversity of the U.S.
- Attend professional appointments with their American counterparts
- Learn about the U.S. system of government at the national, state and local levels
- Visit American schools, and experience American culture and social life
For more information on the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership program please visit
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs