The Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships' Multi Nation program, its largest and oldest, brings to the United States 25 emerging leaders from as many countries. Introductions, observations, consultations and conferences are tailored to his or her professional interests. To ensure that they can make the inquiries most fruitful for themselves and their countries, Fellows play an active role in designing their own agendas. EEF brings Fellows together for seminars at the beginning and end of each program, laying the foundation for life-long international friendships and contacts. Candidates are identified and recommended by in-country nominating committees composed of Eisenhower Fellows and other eminent citizens.
Final selection is made by the Philadelphia-based selection committee.
Spouses who are fluent in English are invited to accompany Fellows and separate professional appointments can be made for them. The first Multi Nation program took place in 1954 with 13 Fellows, each of whom spent 11 months in the U.S., traveling by car throughout the country. The president of Turkey, a young hydraulic engineer in 1954, was a member of the first group of Fellows. Today's Fellows travel by plane, visiting approximately 15 states and having 80 to 100 meetings in just two months. Countries for the Multi Nation program are chosen to ensure geographic diversity and on the basis of their alumni population, sponsor interest, and their capacity to contribute to the worldwide network of more than 1,200 Fellows.