Open World Program
The Open World Program, established by the U.S. Congress in 1999, invites emerging political and civic leaders from European and Asian countries to the United States for short-term professional visits.
Each delegation’s visit is focused on a specific topic, during which leaders share ideas and knowledge with people who work in a similar professional
or social area in the United States.
The Open World Program targets public policy decision-makers for participation, as well as those who influence the policy area and public opinion. Open World aims to reach leaders from all levels of governmental (national, regional, and local) and from nonprofits and other organizations that promote the public interest. The most appropriate nominees are talented leaders who are relatively young but have already demonstrated significant leadership skills and a commitment to building democracy, free market,
and the rule of law.
A visit under the Open World Program lasts 10 days. The first two days delegates spend in Washington, D.C., where they meet with Representatives of the Congressional Office for International Leadership. The next part of the visit takes place in local communities, where delegates attend numerous training courses and meetings that correspond to their professional interests. The local organization provides accommodation in volunteers’ homes, meals, and transport.
Knowledge of English is not required for participation in the program,
and preference is given to those who have never visited the United States.
All Open World Program nominations and applications are reviewed by the Congressional Office for International Leadership and the US Embassy Selection Committees.
Since its launch in 1999, nearly 29,000 individuals from a wide variety
of professional fields have traveled to all 50 states to meet and share knowledge with their professional colleagues, and to learn about life in America.
Program Information
Funded by:
The United States Congress
Managed by:
The Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL)
Funding:
Fully funded; Program covers the visa fee, international travel, health insurance, food, housing, and transportation within the US.
More info: Open World
Types of Participants:
A wide variety of political, civic, and economic leaders have successfully participated in the Open World Program. Participants have included:
Elected leaders at all government levels;
Appointed officials and high-level civil servants from the national, regional, and local level who are active in program theme areas;
High-level staff of elected national and regional officials and of officials of the presidential administration;
Private-sector leaders involved in the public-sector issues targeted by the program;
NGO heads and community leaders involved in program theme areas;
Intellectual leaders; library directors; and university administrators;
Media and public information leaders including publishers, editors, and prominent journalists.