Professional Programming
WorldChicago is deepening our commitment to opening new doors for all Chicagoans through Citizen, Urban, and City Diplomacy. Our transformative programs aim to reach students and professionals from every one of our city’s 77 neighborhoods - providing them with access to hands-on experiences, international networks, and world-class leadership development. Chicago’s business ecosystem is a living laboratory for citizen diplomacy.
Austria to America
The Austria to America Exchange Program fosters cultural exchange, professional development, and mutual understanding between Austria and the U.S. Funded by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, the program provides Austrian students and young professionals opportunities to explore American culture, politics, and industry practices. Participants visit political institutions and communities, engage in democracy dialogues with young leaders, experts, and government officials, while strengthening their media literacy skills.
Civic Voices in Action: Chicago to Vienna Exchange
Funded by Julian Grace Foundation, Urgent Response Funding.
Dates: November 26 – December 3, 2026.
Entrepreneurship and Justice Impacted Communities – Chicago to Slovenia Exchange
Funded by Julian Grace Foundation, Urgent Response Funding.
Coming January, 20-25, 2026!
International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
More than half of WorldChicago’s yearly visitors come to Chicago through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. IVLP participants, nominated by the U.S. Embassies, visit multiple cities across the U.S.to build relationships and exchange best practices with their American counterparts in a variety of fields. WorldChicago’s goal is to connect IVLP visitors with non-profit, business, and civic leaders in the Chicago area to spark meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Digital Creators - Republic of Korea
WorldChicago is pleased to have been awarded a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to implement the Digital Creators program, which brought nine social media influencers from Korea to the U.S. During their visit to Los Angeles/San Diego, Chicago, and Washington D.C./Baltimore, participants explored themes aimed at engaging Republic of Korea (ROK) digital content creators in developing insight into American values and interests.
