Gaining knowledge and understanding of the cultures and societies of other countries is one of the fundamental building blocks of civilization. Education promotes freedom, liberty – and ultimately, prosperity, which is why international exchanges are so critical to the success of the global economy.

The International Exchange and Business Training Program (IEBT) at ICLS is designed to promote professional and business training exchanges for international professionals and graduate students. IEBT offers several options of training based on the language, cultural and professional experiences of individuals interested in on-the-job (OTJ) training in the United States. Intensive Regular and Business English Language Orientation aims at improving four major languages skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing, and pronunciation as well. Follow up OTJ gives trainees from 3 to 18 months to master business and professional skills, gain knowledge of American business culture and experience on-the-job training with a U.S. company or organization.

The IEBT’s mission is to give exchange visitors the opportunity to enhance their skills in their chosen career fields while helping them improve their use of American techniques and methodologies. The professional and personal relationships that develop between exchange visitors and their U.S. hosts pays both short and long term dividends.

Short-term, participants acquire skills and familiarization with American business practices. Long-term, they return to their home countries and continue to do business with their associates in the U.S.

The IEBT especially appeals to early- and mid-career professionals and college graduates. The business skills and practices taught by our experienced instructors, complemented by a guided self-study component, prepares participants to maximize their ongoing training with companies and organizations.

Program Opportunities

Unlike many other exchange programs, the IEBT uses a two-step format, which facilitates both the initial learning and the follow-up “on the job” training. A one-month intensive business training class is presented at ICLS in Washington, D.C. followed immediately by a five-to eleven-month professional internship with a U.S. company. Click here for detailed training options.

During the first month, participants are introduced to an extensive network of business contacts in a variety of career fields while visiting American and U.S.-based international companies and organizations. They attend networking events, professional and business workshops, trade shows and other field-related activities in the Washington metropolitan area. During  the program orientation, participants will learn about the J-1 visa program.

The curriculum covers such diverse yet equally important issues as global leadership, the new world economy, e-commerce and U.S. trade and business opportunities. Through a series of workshops, the intensive business training introduces participants to new business tools and skills.

Program Training Goals

The IEBT focuses on:

• Creating new business and cross-cultural institutional links between program participants and their colleagues.

• Introducing ideas that contribute to finding solutions for long-term international business, social and economic issues.

• Promoting respect for cultural diversity and understanding of economic development, conflict resolution and democracy building.

• Enabling participants to share information about their societies with Americans and learn the same from their American counterparts.

ICLS/IEBT Services

Participants receive a full range of services including:

• Preparation of J-1 visa program application package.

• Placement with a U.S. host company or organization.

• J-1 visa Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) orientation prior to and upon arrival in the U.S.

• Intensive monthly business workshops and cultural orientation.

• Mentoring and counseling during training, if necessary.

• Monitoring and evaluation.

Host Institution Support

A thorough research and review process is undertaken prior to securing the participation of a host company or organization. Companies and organizations selected by the IEBT are committed to making the training experience as complete and meaningful as possible for each and every participant.

Host companies and organizations:

• Provide hands-on practical (on-the-job) training in an interactive and comfortable work environment.

• Engage participants in various aspects of its organization and industry.

• Provide supervision and performance feedback and interactive discussions.

• Serve as mentors or supervisors.

• Monitor and evaluate performance and accomplishments of participants.

Host Institution Benefits

In addition to the “community goodwill” they generate from supporting the IEBT program and the State Department’s Exchange Visitor Program, host companies and organizations receive a myriad of meaningful benefits from their participation:

• An understanding of different business cultures.

• A fresh, cross-cultural perspective of one’s products and services.

• A valuable, professional resource and liaison with the international community.

• A skilled, motivated participant willing and capable of making a professional contribution, sharing new ideas, international experience and methods of management.

• A potential long-term contract for future international business development.

• A culturally enriching experience for both participant and host company/organization.

• A foreign language resource.

• An opportunity to improve the American image around the world.