309 W. Washington Street, Suite 450, Chicago, IL

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Professional Programming

Professional international exchanges bring visitors to Chicago for 4-10 days, while professional fellowships extend for 3-4 weeks.

Professional Fellowships

Young Transatlantic Innovation Leadership Initiative (YTILI)

Young Transatlantic Innovation Leadership Initiative (YTILI)

The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) is the U.S. Department of State's flagship program which aims to promote mutual understanding, enhance entrepreneurship and leadership skills, and build lasting partnerships between business leaders from Europe and the United States.

Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)

Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)

The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) empowers Latin American entrepreneurs to advance their business know-how and build their venture (business or enterprise) through exposure to the Chicago entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurs are placed in four-week fellowships at start-ups, small enterprises, small business groups, and NGOs, where they spend time job shadowing, work as part of a team on a project, join client meetings, and do industry-specific research.

Professional Exchanges

International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

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.

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ACE-Illinois

The Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) is a premier initiative of the Organization of American States (OAS), focused on economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the Americas. The program will bring 50 senior decision-makers across various sectors to Illinois to explore diverse projects, investments, and public-private partnerships, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices to enhance economic competitiveness.

ROK Create with Us

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.

Austria2America 8.0

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. 

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HOW TO HELP

Support WorldChicago

Your unrestricted gift helps WorldChicago continue to be a builder of global bridges that provide exchanges of ideas, perspectives, and programs that help make the world, and Chicago, a better place.

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