International Visitors Bureau

The International Visitors Bureau (IVB) serves as a liaison between UCLA faculty/administrators and international academic and professional leaders by developing appropriate contacts. Through these contacts, IVB provides opportunities to build intellectual exchanges and strategic international alliances.

Established in 1966, the UCLA International Visitors Bureau (IVB) is recognized nationally as one of the oldest and most respected university-sponsored programs of its kind in the country. It schedules meetings, seminars, luncheons, and campus tours for more than 800 visitors to the UCLA campus each year. The IVB provides comprehensive programming for outstanding leaders in government, politics, education, science, labor relations, and other fields by incorporating the intellectual, cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of the UCLA campus.

The staff and volunteers of the IVB coordinate appointments with appropriate members of the administration and faculty for visitors sponsored by the International Visitors Program of the United States Department of State, the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles, other universities, corporations, foundations, government agencies, and members of the Consular Corps.

UCLA increases its international visibility through the hospitality that it extends to international visitors and benefits from the professional exchanges with many of the world's economic, political, and social leaders. Since its establishment, the IVB has hosted a wealth of world renowned dignitaries, including British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, President Frederik de Klerk of South Africa, Prime Minister Joseph K. Kolfligoh of Togo, and President Rafael Callejoas of Honduras.

This form of worldwide outreach, heightened by the development of the Internet, brings UCLA's affiliation to a global scale.

Visitor News

Please enjoy these stories about international visitors to the Institute

UCLA grad returns to share experience on the ground in Afghanistan

After four years with the U.S. Foreign Service, Erin Rattazzi, BA '02, advises students to take advantage of every possible opportunity to learn more about the world and their place in it.

New Thai ambassador visits UCLA

Funding from the Royal Thai Government supports language instruction, cultural programming and travel opportunities for students.

Political will, courage and imagination needed if resolution is to be made, says ambassador

Argentina’s ambassador to the U.S. visits UCLA to discuss territorial conflict in the long disputed Falkland/Malvinas Islands

South African education advocate visits UCLA to share experiences, explore partnerships

It’s important for Americans to think of Africa and South Africa as places to learn and grow, says university leader.

Salvadoran leaders join UCLA faculty and guests to recognize 20 years of peace

In examining the current state of El Salvador, the role of past civil conflict must be considered, says First Lady Vanda Pignato.

Ambassador discusses Brazil’s growth as global power

Brazilian Ambassador to the U.S. Mauro Vieira made a stop at UCLA yesterday to speak about his country's role in the world.

Pontiff discusses future of Christianity in the Middle East

Armenian spiritual leader Aram I stops at UCLA as part of 20-day tour of Southern California

Africans Explore Diversity Initiatives on Campus

Two separate groups from Africa, one from South Africa and one from Sudan visited UCLA on Monday, February 1, 2010 to learn more about diversity-related initiatives on the UCLA campus.

UCLA Hosts First Lady of Zambia

The First Lady of Zambia and the Zambian Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources visit the Ronald Reagan Hospital and UCLA Anderson School to strengthen ties with the University and promote women's empowerment.

Indian Visitors Receive Overview of U.S. Financial Systems and Economic Outlook

Four representatives from India made a visit to the UCLA Anderson School of Management to receive an overview of U.S. financial systems on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. The delegation met with professors from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and attended the exclusive Anderson Forecast December 2009 Outlook Conference.

Visitors Bureau Hosted 520 People from 90 Nations in 2009

The International Visitors Bureau hosted 520 visitors to UCLA from 90 nations in 2009. Topics of this year's discussions included U.S financial systems, cultural preservation, higher education, minority participation in the political process, religious diversity, substance abuse and affordable housing, among many others.

Austrian Federal Minister for Education Visits Hammer Museum, Sculpture Garden

The Austrian Federal Minister of Education of Arts and Culture, Consul General of Austria in Los Angeles and two other delegates from Austria met with key representatives from the UCLA Hammer Museum on Thursday, November 5, 2009.

Pakistanis Consult on 'Cultural Preservation'

Ten conservation specialists from museums, universities and government came to UCLA on Oct. 23, 2009, from various Pakistani cities. They met with Charles Stanish, director of UCLA's Costen Institute of Archaelogy; Associate Professor of Archaeology and Program Chair Monica Smith; Associate Professor of Materials Science and Conservation Ioanna Kakoulli; and David Scott, Chair of the UCLA/Getty Program in Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation.

Latin Americans Get Overview of Ethnicity in LA

Latin American representatives from government, media and humanitarian organizations visited campus on Oct. 7, 2009, to learn about the history and demographics of the Los Angeles area--including immigration patterns, race relations, and how various ethnic groups contribute to political participation and overall governance. The 13-member delegation met with Associate Professor Raul Hinojosa-Ojeda of the Cesar E. Chavez Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies.