International Visitors
Since 1950, the Council's visitor's program has fostered permanent connections between Oregon communities and leaders worldwide. The Council's visitor program annually hosts more than 500 emerging world leaders. These rising stars in key fields are connected for business exchanges, professional development and hands-on experience with local/regional business and community leaders. Because of Portland and Oregon’s strong culture of voluntarism and civic innovation, visionary sustainability and environmental policy, progressive governance practices and a thriving NGO/nonprofit community, the region has in recent years become a magnet for international visitors seeking professional development exchange.
There are many ways to be involved – whether by hosting visitors for a professional meeting, being a dinner host or overnight host for visitors, or by hosting a reception for international visitors.
Hosting Opportunities
Have you wondered if the challenges you face in your profession were unique to the United States, and maybe to Oregon? Would you like to speak with leaders in your profession from all over the world? We constantly seek new professional resources to represent Oregon’s vast and diverse professional workforce.
Nothing sets the table for mutual understanding better than a shared meal and shared experience. Hosting International Visitors for dinner is an excellent way to exercise everyday diplomacy as an ambassador for Oregon. Hosting international visitors in your home is one of the many benefits of membership in the World Affairs Council of Oregon.
Share your home and build lifelong connections! The Council regularly offers overnight home-stay hosting opportunities that provide international visitors with an American home experience. Hosting opportunities range from three nights to five weeks depending on the program.