People to People Outreach -- How It Works for Orlando Florida, by Sarah Gal
This opinion piece published in the August 26 Orlando Sentinel is repeated for our readers with the permission of the author.Many people think of international exchange programs as opportunities for students to study abroad. But did you know that last year alone over 500 international business and civic leaders visited the Orlando area through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)?
These professionals, leaders in their fields, come to exchange best practices with us, to do business with us, to develop partnerships with us, and to gain a more authentic, nuanced understanding of who we are as Americans. Our best ambassadors aren’t just in embassies, they’re everyday Americans whose stories and hospitality show the world who we really are. The relationships developed through these people-to-people exchanges don’t just strengthen our national security and international trade, they also boost our local economy and public safety. With exchange programs on the chopping block in the FY26 budget bill, the Orlando region risks losing these benefits.
Exchange programs like the IVLP generate meaningful revenue for our local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to shops and service providers, while demonstrating a strong return on investment. Nearly 90% of IVLP funds are spent in the United States, and in our most recent reporting year, WorldOrlando transformed $168,301 in federal IVLP funds into $577,035 for our local economy.
Exchange programs like the IVLP make our community safer and more prosperous. For example, a recent project on commercial space partnerships with India resulted in a formal agreement between an exchange participant’s company and a local Melbourne company to facilitate the transport of a satellite for U.S. launch. WorldOrlando also regularly hosts anti-human trafficking professionals from around the world, connecting them with local law enforcement, community organizations and nonprofits. These exchanges foster collaboration and strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking across the greater Orlando area.
For nearly 60 years, WorldOrlando has served as the local IVLP implementation partner of the State Department. Through this long partnership we’ve brought thousands of entrepreneurs, CEOs, educators, scientists, law enforcement officers, journalists, elected officials and other civic leaders to all six counties in Metro Orlando. Through the meetings we arrange with local businesses and organizations, such as UCF, Florida High Tech Corridor, our Space Coast partners and many others, our region is able to showcase its excellence and innovation on the global stage. Through these types of exchanges our local business and civic leaders develop valuable relationships and knowledge of global industry trends, to grow our economy and enhance our public safety.
When we invest in people-to-people exchange programs, we’re not just investing in a more peaceful connected world, we’re also investing in Central Florida’s economy and the public safety of our residents. Let’s make sure our elected officials hear that message loud and clear.
Sarah Gal is the executive director at WorldOrlando, a local chapter of PDCA partner Global Ties US.