Community Connections, a program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), promotes public diplomacy, economic growth and the development of civil society in Eurasia through an exchange of experiences, culture and values among program participants, American families, host businesses and local communities.

It is a practical internship program and combines seminars, workshops, site visits, and meetings with American professionals with hands-on practical internships. Participants typically stay from three to five weeks in the United States and live with American host families. All expenses, including airfare, insurance, professional and cultural programs and room and board are covered, except for passport fees and travel within the country.

The Community Connections program:

The program provides participants with professional training and exposure to the day-to-day functioning of a free market system. Creates links between US and participant country regions and communities.

To be eligible to participate, all business and professional program candidates must:

• Be a citizen of participant country
• Never have participated in a "Green Card" lottery
• Currently hold positions of responsibility in their field
• Complete and submit a written application before the designated deadline
• Participate in an interview
• The Recruiting Process

Participants for the Community Connections Program are selected through an open, merit-based competition with the following components:

The Community Connections program is funded and managed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an independent US government agency that provides technical and humanitarian assistance and promotes democracy and economic prosperity in Eurasia countries and all over the world. In Azerbaijan the program is administered by Project Harmony (www.projectharmony.org).