Mr Samiuela Fonua, the TTI Dean Academic Support was one of the fortunate ones. “Sure I was so surprised and a bit nervous knowing I had been selected to represent the whole region (Pacific), but I was and still am, excited and touched to come upon such an amazing opportunity.”
The IVPL is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. It seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders who are in various key fields such as media, government, politics, education, business etc. Over 4,000 of them visit the US from all over the world each year.
Carefully designed programs that reflect their professional interests and U.S. foreign policy goals are planned for them and they travel in a variety of thematic programs, either individually or in groups for up to three weeks.
They also attend professional appointments with their American counterparts, where they learn about the U.S system of government at the national, state and local levels, visit schools and experience American culture and social life. They also visit the capital, Washington, DC and three other towns and cities that highlight the tremendous diversity of the U.S.
Mr Fonua said that in joining the program he acquired a lot of experience. He had gained knowledge crucial to his professional development and it also gave him a confirmation that TTI is on the right track with its future developments. Developments, that will ensure success and international recognition.
“It’s an excellent program for the young leaders, it opens up your world into a much wider perspective and you learn a lot from it, and hopefully I can implement it to make the program worthwhile.”
Mr Fonua and seven others from various departments in Tonga, will depart for Samoa for the actual conference of the emerging leaders in the region. Among the participants is the Tupou High School principal, Dr ‘Ungatea Kata.
For more information about the program, you can find it on the link below.
Source: International Visitor Leadership Program
