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“SFIP has a significant impact that brings real benefits: knowledge, understanding, and friendship.”

- Ivan Maly
Czech Republic

The Bridging Leaders Program offer short-term training programs for groups of professionals tailored to their field of work and/or region.

Through these grant--sponsored programs SFIP arranges accommodations and develops an intensive training program, which include:

• visiting relevant agencies and organizations
• speaker series and skill-based workshops
• professional networking
• cross-cultural enrichment activities

Ethiopian Business Training (2008)

This customized training program for Ethiopian Women in Business aims to strengthen the workforce in Ethiopia through leadership development and training of trainers in business, entrepreneurship, and management. Funded by the US State Department, this program collaborates with the Ethiopian Employers Federation and Addis Ababa University to provide a customized week-long training to women in business who will become trainers for the Entrepreneurial Training Center in Addis Ababa University.

Turkish Youth Workers Training (2008)

This US State Department grant program will bring three to five nonprofit managers from Turkey for a one-week training program in San Francisco. The training objectives are to identify best practices in youth development and empowerment, and to survey model after-school art and theater organizations in the Bay Area. Participants will benefit from a customized training program that will include skill-based workshops, site visits, networking and cultural exchange opportunities, home-stay accommodations, and facilitated strategic planning and leadership development activities. Ultimately, the participants will return to their home country to establish a model after-school arts and theater program for young people.

Italian Lawyers Training (2008)

This three-week intensive law training program will focus on human rights and environmental law. The goal of this program is to expose Italian lawyers to US and California law and governance to support international human rights, criminal and penal law. The training may include site visits to the State Assembly, Court House, Bolt School of Law, and practicum internship in a legal firm or advocacy organization.

Wine Makers Training (2001)

A program organized with California wineries to bring viticulture students from wine-making countries through out the world to work in the Napa and Sonoma Valley Wineries. The program developed an institutional relationship with Hungary, resulting in a successful exchange and partnership between wine growers.

Partners for International Education and Training (2000)

Working in collaboration with USAID (US Agency for International Development) and World Learning, PIET provided former Eastern European and Central European visitors with short-term training and interaction with professionals in their own sectors. Individualized appointment programs and activities were organized for each visitor for stays anywhere between three days to three weeks.

Southern Africa Regional Internship Program (1997)

Sponsored by USIA and Indiana University, this 2-month training program assisted professionals in both the public and private sectors in Southern African countries to enhance their careers and develop their leadership skills.

South African Internship Program (1997)

This 2-month training program aimed to develop South Africa's new democracy, market economy and social reconstruction. Through a partnership between USIA/USIS in South Africa, American corporations, and Indiana University, this program trained professionals for leadership positions in the public and private sectors. Individually designed internships were put together with local companies, governments and non-profits, and participants designing their own case study and re-entry project for their return home. The guests took part in weekly training and activities programs, as well as constant interaction with Bay Area families, mentors and residents.

German Social Work Program (1996)

The program was funded by the German Government with social workers placed with local social service agencies for eight weeks. The objective was exposure to other professions in their field and experience in diverse cultural environment.

Palestinian/USIA Project (1995)

The goal of the Palestinian Program was to support local authorities in the West Bank and Gaza in their effort to provide new education and social service programs and facilities. The participants lived with local families during their two-month stay, were placed in professional internships, and took advantage of SFIP cultural and educational activities.

Malta Project (1995)

This US Government grant for journalists training with US media organizations brought three Maltese journalists to the Bay Area in 1995. In addition to individually arranged internships, they lived with families and participated in weekly SFIP education and cultural activities.

The Leadership Training Fellowship (1993)

This four-month program was jointly sponsored by USIA, The Soros Foundation, and the Council of International Programs. The program was designed to prepare mid-level professionals from the former Soviet Union for leadership positions in the public and private sectors. Participants were provided with individually designed internships, were placed with host families, and were encouraged to participate in educational, cultural, and leadership development activities.