International Exchanges & Events

Leaders from around the globe in a variety of fields are working to address challenges in their communities, cities, regions and countries. Through international professional exchanges in the U.S., they get a chance to share best practices, ideas and forge relationships with counterparts and subject-matter experts across the United States.

The San Diego Diplomacy Council is proud to be a leading organization of professional exchange opportunities that brought 672 international emerging leaders from 145 countries to San Diego, and coordinated 25,358 professional meetings this past year to share ideas and best practices with local experts in hopes of effecting real change.

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. We host more than 450 exchange visitors annually through this program offered by the U.S. Department of State.

Learn about IVLP opportunities
A group of IVLP participants pose in front of a fountain in Balboa Park.
A young woman sits attentively at a presentation.

Custom Programs & Services

We partner with private companies, government offices, and non-profit organizations to create custom professional international exchange opportunities that bring individuals from different parts of the world together to examine global challenges.

Learn about our custom programs

Global Youth Programs

We are passionate about helping young people discover and engage in global issues so that they may become the global leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. Through our programs we hope to inspire participants to explore career paths in global leadership and diplomacy.

Explore our youth programs
Group photo of youth program participants sitting in a classroom
Two men and two women pose around a table at the "On the Road Again" fundraiser.

Opportunities & events in San Diego

We host a variety of unique events throughout the year which offer globally-minded individuals throughout San Diego a chance to engage with international diplomats and learn about foreign affairs and cultures.

Learn about local opportunities

Local support. Global Impact.

Your support helps us inform, educate, and involve our local community in international dialogue with emerging leaders from around the world.

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