About

Colleagues International is a Council for International Visitors (CIV) and part of NCIV, the National Council for International Visitors, a network of volunteers that was nominated for the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. Colleagues International facilitates international exchange programs to further adult professional development in business, education, government, and health and human services.

These cultural exchanges promote understanding in Southwest Michigan and in the participating countries. Since its inception, more than 500 foreign visitors representing more than 100 countries have been hosted in Kalamazoo. Many lasting friendships have been forged.The nature of the training offered by CI includes professional appointments, internships, job-shadowing, and seminars. Each training program is tailored to the specific professional interest and needs of both the exchange visitor and the local hosting organization or business.

Visitors are offered home stays and many forms of hospitality: a personal experience in the American way of life. Transportation is provided by staff and volunteers for short-term visitors. Long-term visitors receive a metro transit orientation and a monthly bus pass.

Since 1971, Colleagues International and its predecessor organization KACIP (Kalamazoo Area Council of International Programs) has been fostering and promoting citizen diplomacy - the idea that in a democracy, the individual citizen has the right, indeed the responsibility – to help shape U.S. foreign relations “one handshake at a time.”

Colleagues International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. As an affiliate of the Council of International Programs, USA, Colleagues International offers J-1 Visa training programs for professional development in many fields of endeavor.