The Cultural Section partners with Haitian civil society through cultural, academic, and governmental institutions and local NGOs to engage in programs that promotes mutual understanding between Haitians and Americans.  Our programs foster the sharing of information on U.S. society, values and expertise with interested Haitian audiences through professional, academic and cultural exchange programs. These programs, which are at the heart of the section's work, seek to promote the free exchange of information and ideas, capacity building, and to increase understanding between the citizens of the United States and other countries.

Note:  Applicants with extensive or recent experience in the U.S. will not be considered for these programs.  Haitians with dual U.S. citizenship, legal permanent residence in the U.S. (green card status), or legal permanent residence in other countries are ineligible for these programs.  Program announcements and deadlines will be posted regularly on the Embassy’s main page.

Cultural Exchanges

The Cultural Section brings U.S. professionals to Haiti to share their expertise with a broader Haitian audience.  In coordination with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Section works with local partners for exchanges involving performing and visual arts, music, and sports. These exchanges vary from small, invitation-only meetings to large-scale public events.  With the use of new technologies, such Digital Video Conferencing (DVC) and social media, the section can reach a wider Haitian and American audience for continuous dialogue.  The Section also assists local partners with planning of major cultural programs, for instance the International Jazz Festival of Port au Prince. 

The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation

The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, established by Congress in 2001, is a worldwide annual grant competition to assist less developed countries in preserving their cultural heritage and to demonstrate U.S. respect for other cultures. The Cultural Affairs Section works closely with the Institute de Sauvegarde du Patrimoine National (ISPAN) and other local institutions for cultural preservation projects.  Previous grants include preservation of the Citadelle Laferriere, the Palais Sans Souci and the 18th Century Prison of Jacmel.  

Academic & Professional Exchanges

International Visitor Leadership Programs (IVLP)

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), launched in 1940, is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for two to four weeks. IVLP participants are current and emerging foreign leaders in government, politics, the media, education, the arts, business and other key fields.  IVLP alumni include more than 290 current and former Chiefs of State and Heads of Government, thousands of cabinet-level ministers, and many other distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors.  The participants are nominated by American Embassy Officials. Participants are chosen in areas that the Embassy has deemed of bilateral interest to the host country and the US.

Fulbright Program

Established in 1946 by the congress, the Fulbright Program was named after the former senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. The program’s basic objective remains to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries through research grants leading to a graduate-level degree (Master’s or PhD degree) from an American university. Within the Fulbright Program, there are over a dozen program grants.  Please visit the main Fulbright Program website to determine which grants matches your needs. Applicants must be Haitian citizens with a bachelor’s degree and should have at least two (2) years of work experience. Not all Fulbright programs are operational in Haiti. Applications are accepted in the spring, check the Embassy website regularly for announcements.   

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides ten months of non-degree academic study and related professional development in the United States. The program offers valuable opportunities for leadership development and for professional involvement with Americans and counterparts from many nations.  Applicants are encouraged to develop a project or research paper in conjunction with their home government, organization, or employer. Candidate should be currently employed, have the backing of their employers; and be able to take a leave of absence for a period of 10-12 months. Recruitment is made through a local NGO that will provide Haitians support for submitting applications. Applications are accepted in the spring, check the website regularly for announcements.

Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA)

The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) provides secondary school teachers of English as a Foreign Language or Social Sciences (social studies, civics, geography or history) with at least five (5) years of classroom experience with a unique opportunity for professional development while increasing their knowledge of the United States.  Applicants should already be proficient in written and spoken English and be citizens of Haiti. Check the Embassy website regularly for announcements.

E-Teacher Program (On-line)

The E-Teacher Scholarship Program is designed to improve the quality of English language instruction and share best practices of American teaching methods. Participants use innovative distance learning technology to interact with U.S. experts. Candidates for E-Teacher scholarships are highly motivated individuals who are dedicated both to their own professional development and to sharing the knowledge gained with colleagues through workshops or professional presentations.

Global UGRAD Program

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD Program) is a program that provides a diverse group of emerging undergraduate student leaders a substantive exchange experience for one semester or one academic year in a non-degree program from an American university. Students 24 years old or younger from any academic field may apply for this scholarship. They must return to Haiti at the completion of the program. This program is advertised through universities and we encourage universities that offer a four-year program to nominate their students.

The Undergraduate Intensive English Language Study Program (UIELSP)

The Undergraduate Intensive English Language Study Program provides qualified highly motivated undergraduate students in their second or third year with scholarships for an eight-week intensive English language course in the United States. Students 24 years old or younger from any academic field may apply for this scholarship. At the completion of the program, the students return to their original universities to continue their degree program. Applications are accepted in the fall, check the Embassy website regularly for announcements.

 The Junior Foreign Faculty Enhancement Seminar

The Junior Foreign Faculty Enhancement Seminar in the United States is an award to participate in a Faculty Enhancement Program offered for full-time junior faculty in the mathematics or science fields. The program will consist of an eight-week academic exchange experience and the opportunity to attend academic classes in participants’ field of study at the Harvard Summer School as well as partake in field-related research or serve as teaching assistants under the mentorship of U.S. professors, contribute to the community through volunteer work and community talks, and learn about the diversity of the United States that are offered in the Boston area. A minimum of two years of university teaching experience and a bachelor degree is required.