First, what I’ve learned thanks to International Visitors’ Leadership Program (IVLP) and how IVLP impacted my life is impossible to judge by the first impression. If you don’t know the cultural code to read behaviors, you can’t interpret the situation well. People who can travel can discover other cultures for themselves and appreciate diversity. This is something that you cannot learn just from television or social networks. IVLP provided me with an exclusive opportunity to engage with the U.S. and international leaders in a range of fields, learn about key U.S. foreign policy issues, and help forge international partnerships.
Every time someone goes to the U.S. to discover U.S. culture and integrate into their culture, learn a language – they form new relationships with the people around them directly, and also indirectly.
IVLP changed my life. In fact, I could say that I became American in a way. I feel that the U.S. adopted me. For me, IVLP leads to more openness and tolerance towards American cultures. I believe that people discover intercultural exchanges with passion, and at the same time with a certain distance as you come from somewhere else.
I found out and I am convinced that IVLP does an enormous job in promoting openness and mutual understanding around the world. The best way to challenge prejudices or to make people understand others is when they have a chance to meet or to cooperate overreaching the same goal.
Moreover, I found it very inspiring that U.S. people can be such friendly and welcoming. It’s easier to relate to someone you have met in person. This reduces misconceptions of different cultures as you see things from another perspective. I appreciate having such an extraordinary opportunity within IVLP I have gained, as well as having the opportunity to receive an honorary citizen of Pensacola, Florida, and to learn how does Gulf Coast Diplomacy functions, and to explore different cultures and embrace diversity. IVLP experience made me feel like a global citizen. I’m at home in any place in the world. IVLP is the program that enabled me to follow her unique path of self-discovery. The U.S. brought me into contact with other cultures and gave me a good balance.
Worthy to note that, it was impossible to cross such a great river without a bridge which my bridge become my lovely country Tajikistan and his Excellency U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe.
I am so looking forward to rejoining an IVLP and exploring the world more broadly.
IVLP Alumni
Mubinzhon Abduvaliev