​What is a Professional Delegation?


Professional delegation is a short-term business training program (1-6 weeks) organized for a group of international professionals with similar interests that consist of meetings with a variety of organizations in Central Ohio. Delegations are individualized and may consist of 2-20 members with similar training requirements.

Our programs are structured in a way that will best fit each group's goal and objectives. We arrange meetings with local U.S. organizations which are interested in speaking with our international delegates and establishing cross-cultural partnerships and business collaborations. This gives participants a holistic view of practices related to their field in Columbus and the U.S. overall.

During the years, we have prepared many various programs for our delegates, with focus on Non-Profit Management, Women's Empowerment, Rule of Law, Social Work, Small Business Development, Library Science, and many others. 

​Funding for this kind of business programs can come from a variety of sources, including grant money raised by CIP/ US Together, funds raised by the delegates or their organizations, and grants provided by the U.S. State Department / foreign government. 

Previous Delegations

Here are some examples of our 2016 delegations.
For information on more recent delegations as well as further details, please visit the IPR's and Delegations section of the website.

 Russian Peer to Peer

This delegation was a part of an on going program we are facilitating through funding by the US Embassy in Moscow. We have paired schools in Columbus, Moscow and Surgut to collaborate on an international business development project. Students participate in business classes together via Skype, with curriculum provided by Junior Achievement of Central Ohio. Students from both countries have had the opportunity to visit partner schools and students in their own countries. 

 Kenyan Small Business

Chinese New Media
Gillian and Rosebell visited Columbus in December of 2016 from Kenya for a Small Business program. While here, they were able to visit organizations like Life Care Alliance, Columbus Food Hub, Pack H20 and many more to learn about running small businesses, NGOs, and social enterprises. 
In May of 2016, this group of Chinese bloggers traveled to Columbus through a federal grant, to learn about health and education systems in the United States, as well as make connections with their professional counterparts in Columbus. During their trip, they also traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with the U.S. Department of Education and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. 

U.S. Travel Information 

A foreign national traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business (such as attending business meetings or consultations) needs a visitor visa (B-1) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. If you are interested in participating in one of our short-term programs, please reach out to us at mpoeppelman@ustogether.us before applying for your U.S. travel documents!

​​What is a B-1 Visa?
B-1 visas are available to individuals coming to the United States to participate in business activities of a commercial or professional nature. This includes consulting with business associates, traveling for scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions and conferences, settling an estate, negotiating a contract, and participating in short term training.  For more information on B-1 visa requirements, please read below and/or click here. 

Application Process: 
For information on applying for a B-1 visa, see the “Department of State” link.

Aliens seeking a B-1 visa from certain countries may be able to enter the United States without a visa.  For information about exemptions from the visa requirements, see the “Customs & Border Protection” page.

Family of B-1 Visa Holders:
Your spouse and children are not eligible to obtain a dependent visa. Each of your dependents who will be accompanying or following to join you must apply separately for a B-2 visa and must follow the regulations for that visa.