ABOUT US

A Kalamazoo-based citizen diplomacy organization, Colleagues International enriches local community with global diversity, one relationship at a time. We are committed to making Kalamazoo a more globally engaged community, drawing strength from international exchange, while enriching the professional, cultural and personal lives of local residents and visitors from around the world.​

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NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a temporary pause of in-person international exchange programs through May 31, 2021. See ECA COVID-19 updates here. While there may be some in person programming this summer, we will remain mostly virtual through September 30, 2021. 

We will have no in-person international visitor programs in Kalamazoo until it is safe to do so, but we are delighting in the power of virtual exchanges! 

STAY HOME, GET VACCINATED WHEN YOU CAN, SAVE LIVES

Since our start in 1971, we have hosted thousands of international visitors representing more than 100 countries. Opportunities offered by Colleagues International include professional exchanges for emerging and established leaders, internships, job-shadowing, youth leadership programs, and seminars. Each program is tailored to the specific interests and needs of both local partners and exchange visitors.

Colleagues International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a proud member of the Global Ties U.S. and CIPUSA networks. In 2019, Colleagues International hosted 382 emerging and established international leaders in Kalamazoo from 58 countries. Most of our visitors came to us through the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.

We offer long-term (one to four month) J-1 Visa training programs for professional development in many fields, especially youth development and social services. We have been hosting social workers in long-term exchange since 1971. We also host visitors through the Open World Leadership Center, as well as youth leadership exchanges.  

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Our programs open minds, expand horizons and create lasting friendships.