The French-American Chamber of Commerce has helped prepare thousands of international young professionals and students for a future in the global economy. Each year, our International Career Development Programs (ICDP) department sponsors highly skilled young people, ages 18 to 35, for J-1 visas and provides placement opportunities with U.S. and French FACC members.

We first opened our doors to exchange over 25 years ago under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (the Fulbright-Hays Act), when we brought young French professionals to American subsidiaries of French companies. Since then, we have developed a range of exciting options for professional and student exchange in partnership with Ubifrance and l'Office des Migrations Internationales in Paris. ICDP provides J-1 visas for French Volunteers for International Experience (VIEs) – overseas corporate missions for eligible European citizens. Our U.S.-based sponsored training program has benefited more than 6,000 young French men and women since 1983. Similarly, we facilitate internship opportunities for Americans in France in industries that include banking, media, journalism and architecture.

ICDP is the ideal mechanism for American and French companies to make their workplaces more diverse and international in scope. ICDP is available only to FACC members and, as a result, participants enjoy supportive, individually tailored service. The overseas experience of the ICDP team benefit all of its participants. Exchange visitors gain practical experience, knowledge, linguistic competency, and cross-cultural skills critical to leadership in today's international business community. FACC members have the opportunity to add bright young professionals to their business operations and to strengthen their connections to overseas markets.

For both host companies and exchange visitors, ICDP is an invaluable tool for remaining relevant in today's increasingly interdependent global economy.