The Program
Since 1961, the El Paso Council for International Visitors (EPCIV) has received foreign dignitaries effort by the US embassies around the world to acquaint emerging leaders of other nations with the United States so they will better understand our country. These visitors spend three to four weeks in the United States at our government's expense. They visit four to six communities where they are greeted and hosted by local councils. EPCIV is one More than a hundred heads of states and six hundred cabinet ministers around the world have participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program, including Margaret Thatcher and Anwar Sadat.Visitor Activities
Most international visitors come to El Paso for two to four days and stay in local hotels. During their visit, they meet with their professional counterparts, having three to four appointments each day. An evening is spent dining in a home to learn what El Paso family life is like. One full morning or afternoon may be unscheduled so the visitor can rest or pursue recreational interests. Other common visitor activities include sightseeing, meeting the local press, shopping, speaking to classes and attending civic club functions.Visitors
Most international visitors are mid-level managers on the "way up" in their chosen professions, which include government, education, journalism and business. They are usually in the 35 to 55 age range, well-educated and often widely traveled. They visit business, government and private sector agencies that relate to their careers in their home country. Most of these visitors speak English, although some require an interpreter. Visitors are accompanied by an escort from the U.S. Department of State who interprets for the non-English speakers.Economic
Each visitor and escort receives a per diem allowance of about $250 to cover lodging, meals, local transportation and incidentals. This means that one visitor and one escort who spend two nights and three days in El Paso will likely spend $500. A community that receives 100 visitors in a year's time will contribute a minimum of $75,000 to the local economy. Information Exchange: All Visitors are interested in the economic links between their countries and the U.S. local businessmen and professionals often learn new information about the international market-place.World Contacts
Because many nations in the world participate in the visitor program, El Paso citizens meet well-informed and influential people from countries that are currently in the news.
Helping promote Citizen Diplomacy:
"One Handshake At A Time."
