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 126 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.”

 

The inner dome of the Michigan State Capitol reaches 160 feet and features a rendition of the starry sky. Many CI Visitors tour the capitol and meet with political leaders.

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.

Colleagues International has been a hosting
organization for the Community Connections Program since 1998.

Small groups of youth workers, librarians, and women leaders have trained in Kalamazoo through the Open World Leadership Center since 2002.

In addition, more than 150 foreign dignitaries have visited Kalamazoo through the International Visitor Leadership Program.