Colleagues International
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Who We Are
Colleagues International is the Kalamazoo region's leading international organization, linking businesses and institutions with hundreds of rising and established leaders.

We are a volunteer-based citizen diplomacy organization and part of a network of volunteers that was nominated for the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize.

Our Mission
Colleagues International promotes international understanding and facilitates global business, professional development and cultural exchanges. We foster and promote Citizen Diplomacy “one handshake at a time.”

What We Do
We administer leadership exchange programs for the U.S. State Department, U.S. Library of Congress, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as programs for national nonprofit agencies and foreign governments.

Colleagues International arranges the local itineraries and "American experiences" for hundreds of delegates. We identify experts in various fields to meet with the guests; we develop relationships for academic, cultural, civic and business institutions; and help prevent future wars by making friends with the world's new leaders.





Guests enjoying the buffet style farewell dinner for the Iraqi students at Shawarma King. In addition to delicious food and lively conversation, the evening included a presentation of awards to the students and their chaperones.

News and Announcements

Iraqi teens visiting Kalamazoo confront misconceptions. More

Hidden in the basement of the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce building, on the corner of South Westnedge and West Michigan avenues, is an organization that helps recruit visitors from all over the world. Read More of the Kalamazoo Gazette Article Featuring CI.

Colleagues International is selling the Kalamazoo Super Book for just $39. Call 269.341.9494 or email to request yours today!

Register for Colleagues International email updates. Type email address below:

useful links

Hosting a visitor and want to learn more about their country, culture and customs?
globalEDGE.msu.edu has free information including country profiles, global business resources and international headlines.

Photo Gallery

Colleagues International
The Chamber Building
346 W. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007 USA
p: 269.341.9494
f: 269.341.9408

Current and Upcoming Visitors

Youth Social Work, delegation from Jamaica (July)

Interfaith Dialogue, delegation from Yemen (July)

Support for Disabled Groups, Organizations and Societies, delegation from Uzbekistan (August 1-22) Home hosts needed.

Legal Aid, delegation from China (August)

Social Work, individual from Germany (August-December)

AIDS Prevention, delegation from Nigeria
(September 2008)

Social Work, George Monga from Great Britain (June 30-October 28)


Recent Visitors




Last Updated: July 17, 2008
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