Cultural Exchange

Through the Department of State's U.S. Speaker Program, the United States Embassy in Tripoli hosts distinguished individuals to share their expertise and experience with Libyan audiences. Speaker programs usually last two to four days and include individual appointments, small meetings, group discussions and public lectures. Some Americans already traveling in the region generously offer their time and services to the Public Affairs Section (PAS) and receive logistical support and program assistance, as was the case when the president of the Archaeological Institute of America, Dr. Jane Waldbaum, and renowned mathematics professor from University of California at Berkeley, Dr. Alexandre Chorin, visited Tripoli and Benghazi earlier this year.

Institutions desiring American expertise may work with the PAS to bring academic, professional, language-teaching, and cultural specialists for consultations that typically last from two-to-six weeks. Cost sharing is requested for visiting specialists, usually taking the form of in-country travel, lodging, and meals. Once a host institution and the Public Affairs Section reach an agreement to enter into such a partnership, specialists work to advance specific goals such as curriculum development, English Language and teacher training as well as special projects and activities that promote mutually shared goals.

Specialists in the performing and visual arts also are invited to visit Libya and share their expertise, hosted by the Public Affairs Section and the Department of State programs. In November 2005 Robert McNamara, a classical and folk guitarist and banjo player from California was the first sponsored American musician to visit Libya since relations were re-established after a 25-year break.  The California Reggae Group, Luna Angel, performed to thousands of new fans at the Tripoli International Fair on the first USA Day in almost thirty years.