Wright State campus to host emerging world leaders

WSU has been recognized for its commitment to international relations by being admitted as a member of the acclaimed National Council for International Visitors.

More leaders and diplomats from around the globe will be making trips to Wright State in the future since the university has gained access to a prestigious State Department program.

The university has been welcoming foreign visitors to its campus for decades and it serves as the host institution for the Dayton Council on World Affairs (DCOWA).

Now, the university has been recognized for its commitment to international relations by being admitted as a member of the acclaimed National Council for International Visitors (NCIV). This enables the university to host even more global influencers through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

The IVLP brings foreign leaders and experts to the United States for cultural and intellectual exchange.

“The International Visitor Leadership Program will enhance Wright State University’s international programs and connections with the community by bringing prominent emerging leaders from countries around the globe,” said Michelle Streeter-Ferrari, director of the University Center International Education and program administrator for DCOWA.

A typical IVLP program is three weeks in length and includes visits to four U.S. cities. Participants meet with professional counterparts and visit U.S. organizations. Visitors may stay in hotels or in homestays with American families.

In addition to meeting with local experts and leaders, visitors will be available to speak to classes and participate in campus or community events.

“They will connect with students, faculty and administrators on our campus and citizens, politicians, leaders and business people across the Miami Valley,” said Streeter-Ferrari.

Visitors typically participate in small groups, related either by country of origin or area of interest. Programs often have a theme such as journalism, religious tolerance, international crime prevention or combating HIV/AIDS.

The program will also have a positive economic effect on the Dayton region. All of the IVLP budget is spent in the United States. In fiscal year 2010, Ohio hosted a combined total of 368 international visitors, which had an economic impact of more than $1.7 million.

IVLP alumni are distinguished world leaders in both the public and private sector. More than 300 current and former heads of state developed connections to the United States through this program, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German President Christian Wulff and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan.

“We are excited to begin receiving visitors,” said Streeter-Ferrari. “It is the human connection that makes a difference in international relations and we are proud to be part of this important network.”

A nonprofit membership association, the NCIV has been providing leadership in citizen diplomacy for more than half a century.

The NCIV’s nationwide network includes more than 90 community organizations as well as program agencies, associate members and individuals. Only 7 percent of all NCIV members are universities.

With leadership and training provided by the NCIV, member organizations design and implement professional programs, provide cultural activities and offer home hospitality opportunities for foreign leaders and specialists participating in the IVLP and other exchange programs.