Does IVCLA arrange travel services and tours for visitors vacationing in Los Angeles? No, IVCLA works directly with private and public sponsors, including the U.S. Department of State, to set up professional meetings, home hospitality and cultural arrangements for participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program, or similar international programs.

Does IVCLA provide tourism information, such as hotels recommendations and sightseeing information? No, IVCLA does not provide this type of information for individuals traveling to the Los Angeles area. For tourism information please visit LA Inc., the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Is IVCLA part of LA Inc. the Los Angeles Visitors and Convention Bureau? No, while IVCLA works with LA, Inc. to help promote Los Angeles through our exchange programs and LA Inc., supports the work of IVCLA, we are a completely separate organization.

Who qualifies for the International Visitor Program?
Participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program must be nominated by an American Embassy in their country of origin and complete a series of interviews with Embassy officials.

Do International Visitors only travel to Los Angeles?
While some programs, such as The Community Connection Program, travel only to Los Angeles, most programs start in Washington D.C. and travel to several cities throughout the U.S.

How can I become involved with IVCLA?
There are many ways to get involved with IVCLA: become an IVCLA Citizen Diplomat, meet with visitors as a Professional Resource, or support IVCLA as a Corporate Sponsor or Ambassador.

Are Citizen Diplomats required to host visitors in their home?
No, while Home Hospitality is a benefit you can enjoy as a Citizen Diplomat, it is not required. Some of our members choose to take visitors to a restaurant or not to host visitors at all. There are many other benefits and events that you can participate in as a Citizen Diplomat.

Can I keep in contact with International Visitors I have hosted when they return to their country of origin?
Absolutely! It is IVCLA’s mission to create connections between International Visitors and people in Los Angeles, both through professional meetings and Home Hospitality.

If I am traveling abroad, may I contact IVCLA International Visitor Alumni?
Yes, as an IVCLA member at the Contributor level, IVCLA will conduct a complimentary search of the International Visitor Alumni with whom you share interests and who look forward to meeting you in their country.

How are professional meetings arranged with International Visitors?
Each International Visitor or Group of Visitors has a specific topic or theme on which their program focuses. Professional Resources in the selected field are contacted by IVCLA program officers prior to the visitors’ arrival. If the professional is available, a meeting time is arranged with the Visitor(s). IVCLA encourages an open exchange of ideas.

How are professional resources selected?
There is no formal selection process to become a professional resource. IVCLA is always looking for professionals in all fields to meet with International Visitors. If you are interested in becoming a professional resource, please contact us.

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