Iowa Council for International Understanding

ICIU operates programs that bring people from all over the world to Iowa. The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is a program that brings emerging leaders to Iowa to interact with their professional counterparts. Through the IVLP, ICIU has hosted hundreds of international visitors annually. Since 1976, participants from across the globe have met with Iowans to learn about our culture and our work. Topics have included American politics, agriculture, biotechnology, journalism, education, non-profit management, etc. Former participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program who traveled to the U.S. include Anwar Sadat, Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher, Butros Butros-Ghali, Indira Ghandi, F.W. deKlerk, and Helmut Kohl. With the help of all of our volunteers and contributors, the IVLP earned a 2001 Nobel Peace Prize nomination, in conjunction with the National Council for International Visitors.

The Community Connections Program is an international exchange program designed to bring business and professional people from the former Soviet Union to the United States. Each year, several groups of 10 people are matched with their Iowa business or professional counterparts, and travel to Iowa for three to four weeks of professional development. Since 1996, participants have learned basic principles of democratic reform, free-market enterprise, and non-profit organizational structure. They also learn about Iowa culture through activities arranged by ICIU, and through placement with local host families.

These programs offer opportunities for volunteers to get involved with ICIU and learn about other cultures through interaction with our international visitors.

You can volunteer to greet visitors as they arrive at the airport in Des Moines
You can volunteer to brief and debrief visitors on their local programs
You can volunteer to provide transportation to visitors to informal activities, i.e. shopping, sightseeing, etc.
You can volunteer to escort visitors to professional appointments or social outings
You can host an individual or a group in your home for a meal, social time and/or overnight
You can volunteer to share professional knowledge and experience with visitors by meeting visitors at your work place, serve as a mentor, or offer an internship in you place of business.

Establish business relations and friendships
You will increase your knowledge of other cultures and countries
You will have fun!

Ability to provide the time, skills, and knowledge during the visit
Willingness to understand and learn from other cultures
Willingness to provide the accommodations necessary for the visitors
Proof of current/valid drivers license and car insurance ( if applicable)