Custom Exchanges

The Vermont Council on World Affairs hosts numerous fee-for-service programs for U.S. Embassies, Foreign Embassies in the U.S. and other organizations that need local expertise to host important delegations and/or individuals. We are happy to arrange visits for government delegations, trade missions, and professional/cultural exchanges for any U.S. or Vermont agency, business, and other organizations. We will leverage our intimate knowledge of communities statewide to create the most effective professional/cultural experience Vermont has to offer. The Vermont Council on World Affairs will also coordinate hotel and transport accommodations for groups and individuals.

A number of these delegations require homestays with Vermont families. Interested in hosting a visitor? Click below:

Open World Program

Since its founding by Congress in 1999, the Open World Program has enabled more than 29,000 current and future Eurasian leaders to experience American democracy, civil society and community life; work with their American counterparts; stay in American homes; and gain new ideas and inspiration for implementing change back home. Some 6,000 American host families and their communities in all 50 states have partnered with the U.S. Congress and Open World to make this ambitious public diplomacy effort possible.

Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative

The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiatiative (YLAI) builds linkages between young leaders across the Western Hemisphere. YLAI addresses the opportunity gap for youth, especially women, by empowering business and social entrepreneurs with the training, tools, networks and resources they need to transform their societies and contribute more fully to economic development and prosperity, security, human rights and good governance in the hemisphere.

U.S.-Jordan Leadership Exchange Program

The U.S.-Jordan Leadership Exchange Program (UJLEP) fosters collaborative and innovative Jordanian leaders, driving success in their economy and civil society. Fellows in key disciplines receive training in Jordan, a tailored U.S. practicum, and engage in impactful projects in their home communities. Disciplines include business, civil society, women's empowerment, DEIA, civic participation, public health, and environment.

Professional Fellows Program

The Professional Fellows Program is a U.S. Department of State (DOS) sponsored exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding and build long-term cultural, professional and leadership partnerships between emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States. Inbound Fellows are placed in intensive 4 week fellowships in non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the US for an individually tailored professional development experience that promotes sustained collaborations between both parties beyond this exchange.

Changemakers Summit