San Francisco International Program administers J-1 Visa Programs that uniquely combine:

experiential education ❙ mentorship

leadership development ❙ cross-cultural exchange

Our programs create opportunities for career advancement and education that last a lifetime... Participants develop critical skills and knowledge through hands-on job training that enables them to reach their personal and professional goals and apply their knowledge and skills in their home countries. Our alumni credit their participation in SFIP's programs as the key factor in their professional development.

J-1 Visa Programs


■ Core Program matches mid-career and executive-level nonprofit professionals with short-term professional training positions, cross-cultural enrichment activities and home-stays.

■ Global Partners Program provides visa sponsorship for up to 18-months and cross-cultural programs for professionals who have pre-selected a training position in the nonprofit, public or private sector.

■ Bridging Leaders Program offers short-term training programs for groups of professionals tailored to their field of work and/or region, as well as accommodations, translation services, and cross-cultural enrichment activities.

Mentorship


Each participant is matched with a mentor from their training site who supports the participant by helping navigate through the inner workings of the organization, teaching the skills and knowledge required to perform his/her position successfully, and provides essential feedback and evaluation of the performance, quality and progress of the participant's work.

Build Networks


Participants engage in cultural activities and events that enable them to build networks that are critical to their personal and professional development. Our programs provides a platform for international professionals to develop contacts in their own fields as well as take advantage of the cross-fertilization of industries, sectors, and cultures available in this rich geographic region.

Cultural Immersion


Cultural exchange is an important part of the SFIP experience which unites people through their educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements. Through our programs and home stays, participants can fully participatein the diverse cultural life of Northern California.

Leadership Development


SFIP works with participants and the training sites to create tailored training plans that outline what knowledge, skills, and abilities are needed to reach their career goals. SFIP alumni have risen to positions of prominence and have made immeasurable contributions to promote peace, democracy, and equality in their home countries. As a result of their training, many alumni have returned to their home countries and transformed their communities to put an end to violence against women and prevent discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS.

Northern California


Northern California is a global center of innovation, entrepreneurship and diversity. SFIP and our participants are part of one of the most dynamic and beautiful areas in the world. As a national leader in numerous fields, Northern California offers our participants excellent professional opportunities:

■ California is the nation's leading industrial state and ranks among the leaders in machinery, fabricated metals, agricultural products, food processing, computers, aerospace technology, and many other industries.

■ There are tens of thousands of regional, national, and international nonprofit organizations in the state, many of which have their national headquarters in Northern California.

■ Northern California hosts a number of prestigious universities and academic institutions.

SFIP aims to strengthen the community, culture and economy of Northern California by opening doors for new and emerging leaders who make an effective, meaningful and positive impact on our world.

Guiding Principles


The authority of the US State Department Exchange Visitor Program derives from the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, its purpose is to enable the Government of the United States to:
  • Increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange;
    • Strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations, and the contributions being made toward a peaceful and more fruitful life for people throughout the world;
      • Promote international cooperation for educational and cultural advancement; and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.

      § 2451. Congressional statement of purpose



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