Cecilie Hansen, a senior researcher at SLATE, has recently participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), contributing to discussions on how technology is changing education in the United States. In September, Hansen attended an IVLP reception at the American Embassy in Oslo.

Education in the Digital Age

The International Visitor Leadership Program is the leading professional exchange program of the U.S. Department of State. IVLP allows current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields to cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts during short-term visits to the United States. The meetings are meant to support the interests of the participants and the foreign policy goals of the United States.

As part of the IVLP, Cecilie Hansen has participated in a program called Education in the Digital Age, attending presentations and contributing to discussions. The goal of the Education in the Digital Age program is to examine how technology is changing the U.S. educational process from primary schools to universities. Participants will explore how technology is promoting educational opportunities.

The IVLP invites people from the education sector and the private sector who talk about technological innovation in education and classrooms, such as policy makers, school administrators, researchers and teachers.

IVLP Reception at the American Embassy in Oslo

On September 22nd, Cecilie Hansen attended the reception for IVLP participants and alumni at the American Embassy in Oslo. The reception attendees were welcomed to the Oslo Embassy by Ambassador Marc Nathanson, who was accredited as the U.S. Ambassador to Norway in 2022.

Part of the purpose of these receptions is to promote understanding and cooperation. Each year, nearly 5000 International Visitors come to the U.S. through the International Visitor Leadership Program. More than 200 000 International Visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP. This includes more than 500 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.

Participants cannot apply for the IVLP. Instead, the participants, such as Cecilie Hansen, are nominated and selected annually by the staff at U.S. Embassies around the world.

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