08/12/2026
20 Iraqi teens, 3 adult mentors, 2 World Learning leaders, 3 GTkzoo staff, 14 host families, 8 workshops, 4 museums, 5 excellent vlogs, countless cultural activities and human engagements (including a group watch of the World Cup final). Our 8th cohort of the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (Emerging English) was welcomed over 13 days in Kalamazoo. It was meaningful, it was challenging, it was international, intercultural exchange at its messy best.
Thank you to all our local partners and host families who gave so much to make this happen, and thank you to the U.S. Embassy in Iraq and World Learning for selecting and partnering with us at Global Ties Kalamazoo. This rich exchange opportunity in Southwest Michigan impacts both our local community and the inspiring rising leaders from Iraq who graced our community with their presence and talents. We wish them well on their return home, and hope that their experiences in Kalamazoo strengthen the projects they will launch to make their communities in Iraq better. Our connections have only just begun and we look forward to our continued connection long into the future.
