We bring the world to Oregon!
We believe that through citizen diplomacy, individuals can help shape foreign relations "one handshake at a time," whether that be virtually or through face-to-face exchange. By opening our homes, offices, and schools to visitors participating in exchange programs, Oregonian citizen diplomats foster international understanding and cooperation, constructive economic connections, and peaceful interaction among cultures.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The International Visitor Program enables cross-cultural conversations and facilitates professional knowledge exchange between Oregon communities and the world.
WorldOregon collaborates with the U.S. Department of State and their partners to facilitate exchanges with young, emerging, and established leaders from around the world. Visitors come to Oregon through The International Visitor Leadership Program, The Iraqi Young Leader Exchange Program, The Open World Program, The Pan African Youth Leadership Program, The Young Leaders of America Initiative, The Youth Ambassador Program, and Community Connections, among many other visitor exchanges.
Program activities reflect the professional interests of the visiting leaders and U.S. foreign policy goals including topics such as environmental sustainability, transportation accessibility, advancing minority rights, and more. WorldOregon is a proud member of the Global Ties U.S. Network.
World Oregon has advisory councils for our three key areas of programming and would like to thank the following individuals for joining us to share their expertise and perspective as WorldOregon broadens and deepens our engagement in our community. This work helps our staff continually improve our programming, aligning with our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals.
International Visitors Program Advisory Council
Doug Smith, international business consultant; Jacqueline Johnson, Latino Network; Justin Harford, Mobility International USA; Miles Palacio, Oregon Association of Student Councils; Nydia Peña, Partners in Diversity; and Yassi Irajpanah, Former Trustee and YP Steering Committee member.
To learn more about the impact of International Visitor Programs through the voice and stories of the program's participants, explore WorldOregon's Story Map and Cooking Series.
Created by our national partner Global Ties U.S., as part of their Citizen Diplomacy Map: A Journey of International Friendships, the project collects exchanges impact stories from various nonprofits in the country who host U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to highlight and celebrate the stories of international exchange and relationships built between community leaders around the globe.
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Annual International Visitors |
Countries Represented |
Volunteers, Hosts, & Community Partners |
“(WorldOregon) International exchanges allow you to develop your personality, character and hidden talents. They help you meet people instead of remaining within four walls. Exchanges help you shape your future. It helps you become a "complete" person.”
— Luciano Azor, WorldOregon program visitor from Mauritius
Read the Latest Stories about our International Visitors! |
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How Can I Get Involved?
Portland has become a magnet for visitors looking at issues from sustainability and environmental policy to progressive governance practices and civic innovation. We connect each visitor with relevant businesses, organizations, and community leaders throughout Oregon.
Hosting: An American home experience
Build lifelong connections by opening your doors to an international visitor for an American home experience. A selection of the International Visitor Programs offers the opportunity to host visitors from three nights to five weeks.
There are also opportunities to host visitors for specific meals during their exchange. Nothing sets the table for mutual understanding better than sharing a meal with leaders from around the world! Check out current opportunities and learn how you can demonstrate citizen diplomacy at it's best when you sign up to host an international visitor!
