“A successful delegation provides the delegates an opportunity to experience their profession through the eyes of their international counterparts, and results in future collaborations and expansion of the exchange to long-term relationships within the professional field.”
-Dawn Davis, Director of the Citizen Ambassador Program
History of Cultural Vistas
The Citizen Ambassador Program was first established by the US State Department during the Eisenhower Administration as a means to promote exchanges between private citizens of different cultures, allowing them to gain a better understanding of each other and their professions through the sharing of ideas and experiences. President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s vision became a reality in 1956 when the program was officially launched as an effort of the U.S. Department of State.
The program is one of several offered by Cultural Vistas, a nonprofit international exchange visitor program founded in 1963. These include short-term professional visitor programs, small grant programs, and international internship, research, and teaching exchanges. Each year, thousands of individuals and organizations from over 130 countries participate in Cultural Vistas’ exchange programs.
The Citizen Ambassador Program
Citizen Ambassadors gain valuable insights into their profession by connecting with peers from around the globe. Through round table discussions, one-on-one conversations, meetings with experts and government representatives, and immersive cultural experiences, Citizen Ambassadors will have the opportunity to collaborate and expand global networks.
Dawn Davis, the Program Director, has been leading this program for over 30 years. The Citizen Ambassador Program is defined by its focus on professional development and global networking.
Program Structure
Citizen Ambassadors Programs are developed in partnership with the top US professional associations and academic institutions.
- Delegations are led by an association-appointed delegation leader who represents the association and its desired outcomes.
- Delegation Leaders define the professional goals and anticipated outcomes for the exchange.
- Most programs offer Continuing Education Credit for participating delegates awarded by the professional association.
- Delegation members are selected by the association/delegation leader for their expertise and contribution to the overall exchange.
- Partner associations have included the International Literacy Association, the American Bar Association, the American College of Surgeons, the American Organization for Nurse Executives, and many more.
- Over 100,000 high-level professionals have served as Citizen Ambassadors.
- The programs are designed as bilateral exchanges intended to develop professional bonds between international counterparts.
- Delegations include 10-50 persons, with most delegations including 15-20 members.
- As a private citizen initiative, delegates provide their own funding, demonstrating their commitment to furthering the vision of individuals making a difference in the world.
Delegation Experience
Participants routinely report on the fulfillment of sharing common interests with people who, at first, seemed so different. Participants are able to discuss different approaches to areas of research, methods of application, and theories. Citizen Ambassadors and their international counterparts form durable bonds through the mutual exchange of information and ideas.
With over 30 years of coordinating international delegations, we have refined the keys to successful meetings. Our experience and relationships with our overseas partners ensure that the program is well-organized, focused, and productive. By recognizing and following local customs and protocol, we lay the foundations for participants to exchange information and connect on a truly human level.
Delegates get an insider’s view of facilities and experience the culture in ways most travelers never do, observing professional counterparts in their element and facilities, and sharing best practices, challenges, and innovative ideas.
Delegation Leaders are respected and accomplished members of the professional fields they represent, they are known for their dedication to their professions, enthusiasm for intellectual discovery and exchange, and respect for other cultures and approaches.