Everyone Can Be A Citizen Diplomat
Become a Home Host
The success of our international exchange programs is due to our amazing army of Citizen Diplomats who open their homes to visitors, providing a welcoming window into life in the U.S., and creating lasting memories and connections. These Citizen Diplomats, called Home Hosts, know that nothing sets a table for mutual understanding better than sharing a meal. Whether they are preparing a casual dinner, organizing a potluck at the park, or providing a room to an international visitor for a brief homestay, our home hosts provide a unique and invaluable component to the exchanges. These friendly conversations create a deeper appreciation of life’s commonalities and make an indelible impact, sometimes leading to long-term friendships. Connect with us to learn about upcoming programs and events, as well as how you can become a home host.
Become a Professional Resource
Exchanges bring people together to share ideas, learn from each other and build the foundation for stronger partnerships. Our professional resources – business owners, government officials, state agency managers, entrepreneurs, teachers, community leaders, and more – exercise citizen diplomacy when they offer their time to meet and engage with international visitors. By sharing knowledge and details about professional backgrounds, organizational missions and operations, and policy formulations, these engaging discussions contribute to a better understanding of an issue, a challenge, and most importantly, each other. If you are interested in getting involved as a professional resource and having the opportunity to meet with international visitors, share your expertise, or showcase your business or organization, please contact us.
Expand Your Global Knowledge
Speaker Series
Our Global Perspectives and Diplomacy Matters speaker series provide opportunities for our community to expand their knowledge of global issues and broaden their networks. These webinars bring together regional and international experts for engaging discussions on various topics that have worldwide impacts. Attendees have the chance to discover different perspectives, learn something new and make connections. Sponsorship opportunities are available for either of our speaker series.
Diplomacy Matters Series
The Diplomacy Matters Series features state and regional experts for discussions on statewide policies with a global impact, and how diplomacy plays a pivotal role in creating domestic and foreign policy. Our recent session, California Leading the Way, focused on California’s global rise and how the state can remain at the forefront of innovative and impactful policies. Guests included California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Ms. Liliana Ferrer, Consul General to Mexico in Sacramento; and Ms. Susanne Stirling, Vice President of International Affairs, California Chamber of Commerce.
Global Perspectives Series
The Global Perspectives Series invites past international exchange participants to engage in conversation with local experts on important global topics. These insightful webinars offer perspectives from around the world on issues that impact everyone. Our 3-part series, Global Perspectives: Information in the Digital Age, examined how we receive and respond to information in the era of emerging technologies and how journalists are adapting to a changing media landscape. The series also addressed the global impact of disinformation campaigns and the steps cybersecurity experts are taking to combat these actions.
Global Connections Program
Our organization understands the value of education and aims to provide avenues for young people to learn about diplomacy and engage globally. In 2020, we created the Global Connections Education program, a virtual international leadership program for high school and college students. Participants gain diplomatic skills, leadership experience, international exposure and make important career-enhancing connections.
Program Overview
Our 4-week virtual program is designed for students to gain diplomatic skills, leadership experience, international exposure, and make important career-enhancing connections. Participants will have the opportunity to increase their global and cultural awareness, engage with emerging international leaders, and build new relationships.
What to Expect
Students can look forward to meeting with emerging leaders from around the world and increasing their knowledge of global issues, challenges, and international collaboration. In addition, students will have the opportunity to gain insight into various international careers from diplomacy to global trade. Participants in the program can expect to:
- Engage with emerging international leaders who have participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) to gain insight into cultural, political, and economic differences and similarities around the world
- Meet with representatives from the various international careers and the international exchange network regarding potential career paths
- Learn valuable public speaking, leadership skills, and hone research and writing skills
- Expand their networks and connections around the world
Certificate of Completion
Students dedicate approximately 5-8 hours each week to the program, which includes virtual Q&A sessions, leadership exercises, research, reading, and oral presentations. A certificate of award is presented to students who successfully engage and complete the program. Click here to read about the 2020 Global Connections Cohort.
The application period for the 2021 Global Connections Program will open in May. Contact us to receive notifications on the application process.
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