The Institute of International Education (IIE) advances citizen diplomacy by providing professional, cultural and educational meetings between emerging foreign leaders and the San Francisco Bay Area community, primarily in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). These emerging foreign leaders are selected by our American embassies overseas to travel to the United States under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State to participate in carefully designed professional programs. Among the prestigious alumni are more than 1,500 cabinet ministers and 200 current and former heads of state, including Margaret Thatcher, Anwar Sadat, Indira Gandhi and Tony Blair.
The volunteers in San Francisco and around the nation who contribute their time and energy to the International Visitor Leadership Program were collectively nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.
IIE plans professional programs for approximately 1100-1500 visitors annually. Program Officers arrange a balanced professional program of appointments for the visitor, which helps promote international understanding and provides an enriching experience in the Bay Area. The Program Volunteer also supports local IVLP operations and serves as public relations liaison with professional resources and community contacts.
TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum 21 hours a week and three days a week.
Minimum Duration: 3 months, longer preferred
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Hour lunch)
DUTIES: Plan and implement professional and cultural programs for incoming international visitors, diplomats and State Department Programs:
- Determine and fulfill program needs and goals in partnership with national program agencies and the US State Dept.
- Research potential Bay Area resources
- Schedule appropriate meetings and/or cultural events
- Plan and write up all aspects of itineraries
- Share resource information with program staff
- Research international issues and cultural differences
- Meet with international visitors whenever possible
We are looking for creative, articulate and dependable candidates with excellent communication skills in English and a strong interest in international relations and knowledge of Bay Area resources. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and with a team, and have basic organization and computer application skills. All IIE internship/volunteer positions are unpaid, but transportation reimbursement is available for qualified candidates.
