Colleagues International

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 interes... ts 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 States 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.Read More