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ABOUT US
Global Ties Detroit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that hosts international exchange programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State and other governmental organizations, universities, and think tanks that promote global exchange and citizen diplomacy.
Our goal is to connect international professionals and emerging leaders in a variety of fields with their Detroit counterparts for the purpose of forging lasting relationships that may one day become a powerful tool for addressing some of our biggest global challenges. To achieve this goal, Global Ties Detroit visitors meet with our extensive network of Detroit-area institutions, organizations, companies, and individuals who specialize in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. This network includes leading voices in over 50 fields, guaranteeing meaningful exchanges centered on topics such as entrepreneurship, innovation, education, economic development, public health, and more. We also engage local metro-Detroit families by arranging homestays and dinners for our delegates during their stay in Detroit.
OUR HISTORY
Founded as the International Visitors Council of Metropolitan Detroit (IVC Detroit) in 1972, Global Ties Detroit has been connecting Detroit, and its local citizens, vast resources and innovative industries, to global leaders for over 50 years.
Global Ties Detroit is a proud member of the Global Ties U.S. network, joining over 100 organizations in 45 states and 16 countries that coordinate international exchange programs. In the past year Global Ties Detroit hosted more than 500 emerging leaders from nearly 200 different countries meeting with 250+ organizations throughout metropolitan Detroit!
STAFF & BOARD
Global Ties Detroit is a membership driven organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
MEET OUR PEOPLE
Promote a more peaceful world!
Global Ties Detroit connects you to emerging international leaders and promotes Detroit as a center of culture and commerce.
Read Annual Report
OUR IMPACT
Changing perceptions about Detroit and the United States
In 2024, Global Ties Detroit has facilitated international exchanges that have resulted in:
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| 667 Local Citizen Diplomats | 630 Visitors Hosted | 123 Countries Represented |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are there opportunities to travel with Global Ties Detroit?
Global Ties Detroit offers outbound exchanges to a variety of countries around the world. These opportunities will be shared on the upcoming program and events page of our website. For more information about outbound exchanges, email mail@globaltiesdetroit.org.
Does Global Ties Detroit have internships?
Yes. Please contact mail@globaltiesdetroit.org if you are interested in learning more about the internship opportunities within our organization.
I think that I would like to be a homestay host but I’m not sure what that entails.
We work with you to find one that fits your lifestyle. Length of stay, English speaking levels, and other Our homestay hosts are an integral part of our programs. Each homestay request is different and we can factors can be used to connect you with the opportunity of a lifetime.
If a homestay is not what you are looking for, we have many other opportunities to get involved including, but no limited to hosting dinners, driving delegates, and volunteering at events. Link to Get Involved page
Please contact mail@globaltiesdetroit.org for more information about inviting one of our visitors into your family.
My company is looking for ways to engage globally. Could Global Ties Detroit assist with that?
We can certainly help unite your business or organization with global leaders. Each year we host delegations from sectors as varied as water management, museum management, conflict resolution, education, and entrepreneurial innovation. A quick meeting with our staff can help us understand what you do and in what areas you would be most interested in connecting.
Please contact mail@globaltiesdetroit.org to find out how we can connect you with the world.
What is citizen diplomacy and why is it important?
Citizen diplomacy is the concept that every global citizen has the responsibility to engage across cultures and open their communities to the world. Citizen diplomacy breaks down borders, shatters stereotypes, and creates a more peaceful and prosperous world.
Dr. George Swan III
Chair, Detroit Future City
The opportunity to welcome and work with international delegations visiting Detroit provides a very rich experience. To be engaged in this work is significant and very rewarding. The world is becoming smaller every day and Global Ties Detroit contributes greatly in building strong bridges with people and nations across the globe.
Marcelo Torres
2023 YLAI fellow
"The things I liked most about Detroit were the culture, the people, the art and the music...Detroit became my home."
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