Exchange Programs

The U.S. Mission to Sri Lanka & Maldives regularly conducts academic, educational, citizen, arts, and professional exchange programs.

IREX is currently accepting applications for the 2020–2021 Community Solutions Program (CSP). The deadline to apply is October 30, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

The Community Solutions Program is a professional leadership development program for the best and brightest community leaders worldwide. Community Solutions Fellows complete a four-month fellowship with a U.S. nonprofit organization or local government agency. Our Community Leadership Institute provides an integrated leadership curriculum and individualized coaching throughout the fellowship. Fellows return home to apply their new skills through a community action project.

The Community Solutions Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.

For 2020–2021, up to 80 community activists will be selected to participate in the program, which includes:

  • Four-month Fellowship in the United States: Community Solutions fellows are matched to host organizations throughout the U.S. where they complete a four-month, hands-on professional experience.
  • Community Leadership Institute: Community Solutions fellows participate in the Community Leadership Institute, a leadership training program designed to strengthen their leadership and management skills. The Institute includes face-to-face trainings, online courses, professional coaching, and networking.
  • Community-based initiatives: While in the U.S. and with the help of their U.S. host organization, Community Solutions fellows design and plan a community development initiative or project to carry out after they return home. Once the fellows depart the U.S., they put these projects into action in their home communities.

Visit https://www.irex.org/program/community-solutions-program-application-information to apply and for more details.