Global Ties Kalamazoo

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Global Ties Kalamazoo Our programs offer professional meetings, internships, job-shadowing, and seminars.

Since 1971, Global Ties Kalamazoo (formerly Colleagues International) has been fostering and promoting citizen diplomacy, enriching local community with global diversity “one relationship at a time.” Global Ties Kalamazoo (formerly Colleagues International) hosts professional exchange programs connecting emerging and established leaders worldwide with Kalamazoo people and organizations. Training programs are tailored to the specific professional interests and needs of both the exchange visitors and local host organizations. Visitors are offered home stays and warm Midwest hospitality, giving them an inside look at life in the United States and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

10/16/2026

Human connection. For Amy, that’s what brings calm to the chaos of the world around her. It’s also what draws her to volunteer with Global Ties Kalamazoo, where she builds relationships with people from around the world who share her desire for togetherness.

Amy has been cooking and eating dinner with our guest leaders for a while, and she encourages you to join her. There are several more groups already lined up this fall, let us know if you’re interested: https://www.globaltieskzoo.org/volunteer -diplomacy

- October 14-20 - NENA regional - Engaging youth in workforce development (full)
- October 17-21 - Africa regional - Youth Leadership in promoting growth (full)
- October 28 - Nov 3 - NENA regional - Preventing and combating violence
- October 28 - Nov 3 - Saudi Arabia - Community College and Vocational Training

Just snagged a dessert at Sarkozy Bakery because apparently it’s national dessert day! (Whatever, we’ll take the excuse ...
10/14/2026

Just snagged a dessert at Sarkozy Bakery because apparently it’s national dessert day! (Whatever, we’ll take the excuse to enjoy a sweet treat, a walnut swirl specifically 😋)

Did you know the Sarkozy Bakery team has been involved in exchange for ages and in YLAI (Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative) for the last few years via Global Ties Kalamazoo?
YLAI connects young leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and innovators across the Americas. Not only has Sarkozy’s team hosted our visiting international leaders, they’ve traveled to Tobago and Belize to learn and share their story.

To quote co-owner Alec Wells, “Cultural exchange isn’t just a personal preference there are tangible benefits as well. By working with people with different backgrounds and experiences, you’re exposed to new ways of doing things, creative solutions to problems, and just all around rewiring of your brain to think differently and break up the monotony of limitations and walls you may have built up over the years.”

We’re grateful to live in a community that understands the power of cultural exchange and supports our work to make it possible.

What's your favorite treat from Sarkozy?

09/25/2026

Summer didn't put up a fight when Fall blew in 🍂
What are you looking forward to most this season?

Sonya interns with us at Global Ties Kalamazoo and we’re so glad to have her on our team! She’s a graduate student at Tu...
09/18/2026

Sonya interns with us at Global Ties Kalamazoo and we’re so glad to have her on our team!

She’s a graduate student at Tufts University currently, and most recently she graduated from Michigan State University, where she studied Social Relations and Policy and Environmental Sustainability. Sonya complemented her studies with an international focus, traveling to 25 countries during her undergraduate career.

These international experiences, combined with her academic background, have inspired a passion for discovering and learning about alternative economic development models to support sustainable and equitable urban planning practices. She is excited to work alongside the GTK team and apply what she learns!


09/11/2026

Simple home cooking is the key to dinner diplomacy, according to longtime dinner host Amy Remmert. She says to keep it simple and don't worry about the bells and whistles.

4 groups this fall would love to join you in your home or backyard for a simple meal.
September 19-24 - Africa regional - Strategic university partnerships
October 14-20 - NENA regional - Engaging youth in workforce development
October 17-21 - Africa regional - Youth Leadership in promoting growth
October 28 - Nov 3 - NENA regional - Preventing and combating violence

Learn more and sign up here: https://www.globaltieskzoo.org/volunteer -diplomacy

Leila and Fraenze have officially been in Kalamazoo for a week, as of today! They arrived last Sunday from Germany and w...
09/06/2026

Leila and Fraenze have officially been in Kalamazoo for a week, as of today! They arrived last Sunday from Germany and will stay for two months to complete our German Social Worker Exchange Program. It's our longest-running exchange program and we're grateful to our dedicated host families who help make it all possible.

We are also delighted that Leila and Fraenze have begun their fellowship work with KYDNet and CASA. Say hello in the comments. And be on the lookout for their recap in a couple of months too!

08/23/2026

You never know how someone might change your life until you give them the chance.

When Mr. Paul started driving Global Ties Kalamazoo visitors as a licensed chauffeur, he expected to help participants get from place to place. He didn't expect to leave with new perspectives, lasting friendships, and memories he'll carry with him for years.

That's the beauty of exchange. It often begins with one conversation, one shared ride, or one small act of kindness. But those moments have a way of growing into something much bigger—a lasting connection between people, communities, and countries.

20 Iraqi teens, 3 adult mentors, 2 World Learning leaders, 3 GTkzoo staff, 14 host families, 8 workshops, 4 museums, 5 e...
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.

07/08/2026

We’re back with another tale from Mr. Paul about some of his most memorable passengers and now lifelong friends. Paul hadn’t heard of Bhutan, a country in South Asia, before he met SONAM and KIN. Now he has memorabilia decorating a cafe there. Two Bhutan brothers, beers, The Beatles, and inside jokes that will last a lifetime. That’s what this story – and Global Ties Kalamazoo – is all about.

07/06/2026

Hosting is such a special experience. Join us!

Address

225 W Walnut Street Ste 209
Kalamazoo, MI
49007

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12693419494

Website

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