Our Programs
Connect Stories
Across The World
WorldOregon’s Public Programs Keep Oregonians Connected To The People, Ideas, And Issues That Are Shaping Our Global Future.
The International Visitor Program enables cross-cultural conversations and professional knowledge exchange between Oregon communities and the world.
We bring the world to Oregon!
We believe that through citizen diplomacy, individuals can help shape foreign relations "one handshake at a time," whether that be virtually or through face-to-face exchange. By opening our homes, offices, and schools to visitors participating in exchange programs, Oregonian citizen diplomats foster international understanding and cooperation, constructive economic connections, and peaceful interaction among cultures.
Annual International Visitors
Countries Represented
Volunteers, Hosts, & Community Partners
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The International Visitor Program enables cross-cultural conversations and facilitates professional knowledge exchange between Oregon communities and the world.
WorldOregon collaborates with the U.S. Department of State and their partners to facilitate exchanges with young, emerging, and established leaders from around the world. Visitors come to Oregon through The International Visitor Leadership Program and The Young Leaders of America Initiative, among many other visitor exchanges.
Program activities reflect the professional interests of the visiting leaders and U.S. foreign policy goals including topics such as environmental sustainability, transportation accessibility, advancing minority rights, and more. WorldOregon is a proud member of the Global Ties U.S. Network.
World Oregon has advisory councils for our three key areas of programming and would like to thank the following individuals for joining us to share their expertise and perspective as WorldOregon broadens and deepens our engagement in our community. This work helps our staff continually improve our programming, aligning with our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals.
International Visitors Program Advisory Council
- Doug Smith, international business consultant
- Jacqueline Johnson, Latino Network
- Justin Harford, Mobility International USA
- Miles Palacio, Oregon Association of Student Councils
- Nydia Peña, Partners in Diversity
- Yassi Irajpanah, Former Trustee and YP Steering Committee member.
To learn more about the impact of International Visitor Programs through the voice and stories of the program's participants, explore WorldOregon's Story Map.
Created by our national partner Global Ties U.S., as part of their Citizen Diplomacy Map: A Journey of International Friendships, the project collects exchanges impact stories from various nonprofits in the country who host U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to highlight and celebrate the stories of international exchange and relationships built between community leaders around the globe.
How Can I Get Involved?
Professional connections
Portland has become a magnet for visitors looking at issues from sustainability and environmental policy to progressive governance practices and civic innovation. We connect each visitor with relevant businesses, organizations, and community leaders throughout Oregon.
Hosting: An American home experience
Build lifelong connections by opening your doors to an international visitor for an American home experience. A selection of the International Visitor Programs offers the opportunity to host visitors from three nights to five weeks.

There are also opportunities to host visitors for specific meals during their exchange. Nothing sets the table for mutual understanding better than sharing a meal with leaders from around the world! Check out current opportunities and learn how you can demonstrate citizen diplomacy at it's best when you sign up to host an international visitor!
“(WorldOregon) International exchanges allow you to develop your personality, character and hidden talents. They help you meet people instead of remaining within four walls. Exchanges help you shape your future. It helps you become a "complete" person.”
Luciano Azor
WorldOregon program visitor from Mauritius
Global Conversations includes all of our public programs—from small-group discussion to larger-scale special events, rapid-response programming on breaking world affairs, and ongoing monthly talks with authors, journalists, and cultural luminaries.
For 75 years, WorldOregon has been a rich source connecting Oregonians to the people, ideas, and issues that are shaping our global future. Join us for Global Conversations programs—from hard-hitting global perspectives with policy insiders, authors, and world leaders, to explorations into international food, culture, and travel.
Global Conversations
Since its founding in 1950, WorldOregon has been committed to animating global engagement through dynamic public programs that feature world leaders, Nobel laureates, celebrated authors, global activists, visionaries, and the inspiring figures who are shaping our future.
For 75 years, WorldOregon’s rapid-response programs, symposia, conferences, and special events like the International Speaker Series have put you in the room with Holiness the Dalai Lama, Bill Clinton, Nikole Hannah Jones, Nicholas Kristof, Madeline Albright, Bill McKibben, Jane Goodall, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Robert Reich, Samantha Power, Leymah Gbowee, Tawakkol Karman, Mikhail Gorbachev, as well as the emerging leaders of tomorrow.
Great Decisions
Started in 1953 in Portland, Oregon--the Great Decisions series is an eight-week, noon-time program exploring eight pivotal issues on the global stage. Join WorldOregon from January—March annually for illuminating conversations on international affairs. Sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association, Great Decisions is the longest-running, largest grassroots educational program in the United States.
Community Programs
WorldOregon frequently presents public programs in collaboration with partnering local organizations in Oregon. These events encourage audiences to explore global perspectives on a variety of topics with policy insiders, authors, industry leaders, and more—bridging conversations between the local and the global!
Global Conversations Advisory Council
- Lauren Fortgang, PAEMA
- Steve Higgs, Senior Advocates for Generational Equity (SAGE)
- Andrea Johnson, Green Empowerment/GlobalPDX board
- Graham Morris, Japan American Society of Oregon
- Donna Maxey, Race Talks
- Joaquin Lopez; Creative Laureate, City of Portland, Therapist, Activist, Artist;
- Sankar Raman, The Immigrant Story
Annual Public Programs
Oregonians attending our Global Conversations
Learn how you can get involved with Global Conversations!
The Global Classroom helps develop citizens of the world! We offer an array of resources for educators, students, and the community at large—tools that will inspire a generation.
Empowering the Next Generation of Global Citizens
WorldOregon is excited to offer educators, students, and families programs and resources. Please read below to learn more!
Global Classroom Offers
YOUNG LEADERS IN ACTION brings together diverse groups of high school students from the Portland metro area to gain a global perspective on local justice issues, develop new leadership skills, and learn creative strategies to take action in the community. Applications for 2024–2025 are now closed.
Young Leaders in Action is a network of engaged, resourceful and activated youth leaders in Oregon who possess the confidence and skills to be contributing members of their own communities and the broader world.
The program is built on four key program goals:
- Gaining a Global Perspective
- Developing Leadership Skills
- Building Intercultural Connections
- Taking Action on Critical Issues
Participants take part in the following activities:
Workshops
Workshops on critical global issues with local relevance that are shaping our community and the broader world such as, climate change, gender equality, racial justice, immigration, and gun violence. Emphasis will be placed on the strategies, challenges and successes of youth-led initiatives at home and around the world.
Intercultural activities
Intercultural activities within the YLA group, with inspiring local leaders from Portland and virtually with global leaders from around the world.
Networking
Networking with local youth, community leaders, social service agencies in the Portland metro area and non-governmental organizations from around the world. Students gain access to local and global leaders, who have learned successful strategies and taken action on enacting positive changes in their own communities and the broader world.
Leadership trainings
Leadership trainings on how to become effective leaders in Portland and beyond including: critical thinking, project planning, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Public speaking opportunities, whether live or virtual, allow YLA participants to showcase their global perspective, leadership skills and passion for social change to a wide array of audiences, including peers and international youth at virtual student workshops and events.
Social action projects
Social action projects that are organized, planned, executed and led by Young Leaders in Action participants throughout the course of the program. Social Action Projects will include the broader community in a culminating event in the spring.
“I truly believe that YLA opened my eyes to different issues around the world, gave me rich opportunities to connect with the community around me, and changed how I think about myself, my place in the community, and my beliefs."
Jacqueline, 2018 YLA participant
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply?
Students in the Portland metro area who will be sophomores and juniors during the 2023-2024 school year and who have an interest in gaining a global perspective about local issues, developing leadership and teamwork skills, building intercultural connections and exploring strategies for taking action.
YLA is FREE for all sophomores and juniors attending high school. We encourage students of all abilities, genders, races and ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions and other identities to apply. WorldOregon is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and will do our best to make YLA accessible and available to youth.
How are applicants selected?
Students do not need to have previous leadership experience, but they do need to possess a passion for social justice and a willingness to commit to working with WorldOregon staff and the YLA team to spend the program year learning, sharing, exploring and taking action on global issues facing their communities. Applicants will be selected based on having:
*An interest in learning about local & global social justice issues
*A desire to work as a team with students from other high schools
*The curiosity to explore intercultural connections with local & international youth
*The passion to learn new leadership skills
*A commitment to explore strategies for taking action
*The ability to bring a unique perspective and voice to the program
What are the commitments?
Applications are due May 1, 2023. Program begins in October, 2023 (date TBD) and ends in early May, 2024. Participants commit to attending meetings. Regular communication with the YLA Leadership Manager and other group members is expected.
Are there any costs to participate?
Thanks to WorldOregon donors, there is no cost for this program. WorldOregon can occasionally provide transportation passes for students to attend special YLA events.
To learn more about Young Leaders in Action Program, please contact:
Deb Delman, Youth Leadership Manager
deb@worldoregon.org
(503) 306-5244
CULTURE BOX LENDING LIBRARY UPDATE
Thank you for your patience with the Culture Box program transition. We had a wonderful Culture Box fundraiser event in November 2024 and are continuing to work on grant proposals seeking foundation support. Updates about the program, menu of options, the reservation process, and staffing will be shared on our website by first week of February. We appreciate your continued support of the program and can’t wait to get cultural materials from around the world into your hands in the new year!
Please reach out with any questions you may have to Samara Chism-Winfield, Program Manager- Global Classroom: samara@worldoregon.org .
What is a Culture Box?
Culture Boxes are filled with hands-on, authentic treasures and lessons about the art, culture and daily life of people from over 100 countries across six continents. Culture Boxes help learners to explore and understand cultural identity around the world. Teachers can borrow Culture Boxes to enhance their lessons and increase global literacy for their K-12 students. Culture Boxes can include:
- Cooking Utensils
- Folktale Books
- Handicrafts
- Musical Instruments
- Toys & Games
- Traditional Dress and much more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new person in charge of the Culture Box Program?
TBD, information will be shared in the fall, thank you for your patience. In the interim for any questions please contact Samara Chism-Winfield, Program Manager, Global Classroom: samara@worldoregon.org
When can I make a reservation?
Please visit the WorldOregon website in February 2025 for updated information about reservations.
Will the rental cost stay the same?
Rental cost information updates will be posted in February 2025, please stay tuned.
Will the pickup and drop off process be the same?
Updated information about pick up and drop off procedures will be shared in February 2025, thank you for your patience.
How many boxes can I take out at a time?
Updated information about the number of boxes you can take out will be shared in February 2025, thank you for your patience.
How do teachers use culture boxes?
There are many different ways to incorporate Culture Box material into your lesson plans whether you are teaching virtually or in person. From sharing the French art of cheesemaking while studying fermentation in Chemistry, to studying Egyptian culture while learning Algebra—put your subject areas into context with Culture Boxes! Note for educators: learn how Global Classroom resources are aligned to Oregon Standards and Common Core Here. Check out the video below for just a few examples of how teachers might engage Culture Boxes in the classroom.
Which countries are represented in your culture boxes?
We currently have culture boxes in over 100 countries across 6 continents, including many cultures which do not have formally recognized borders. For a complete list, click here!
Can you help me find an international guest speaker?
If you’d like to invite an international student into your classroom to share their culture and history and help bring a Culture Box to life you can request a Portland State University's International Cultural Service Program student at www.icsppdx.com or contact samara@worldoregon.org for more information.
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT provides educational opportunities that strengthen knowledge about local and global issues.
K-12 educator events provide interactive sessions and educational resources that strengthen knowledge about local and global issues. Each event creates opportunities to discuss how to integrate intercultural resources into the school community. Engaging speakers and interactive sessions have addressed regions around the world and themes such as the immigration and refugee experience, the global link between the environment and social justice, women in the world, and culturally relevant teaching.
To learn more about how you can get involved, please contact:
Program Manager, Global Classroom
Samara Chism-Winfield
samara@worldoregon.org
(503) 306-5296
GLOBAL and MULTICULTURAL RESOURCE CENTER is a library of educational materials for the classroom.
This collection of books and activities addresses anti-bias education, equity, social justice, civil rights, and human rights. It also includes a wide range of activities about arts & crafts, families, festivals, food, folklore, games, music, and geography.
World Oregon has advisory councils for our three key areas of programming and would like to thank the following individuals for joining us to share their expertise and perspective as WorldOregon broadens and deepens our engagement in our community. This work helps our staff continually improve our programming, aligning with our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals.
Global Classroom Education Advisory Council
- Ben Bruhn, Plymouth High School
- Heidemarie Goertzen, Benson Polytechnic High School
- Meredith Wales, Skyview High School
- McKenzie Coulson, Tigard High School
- Jasmine Locke, Westview High School
- Michele Machado, Sitton Elementary School
Global Classroom Programs Generously Supported By:
Travel Programs that offer customized trips combining exciting destinations with expert guides, for a unique travel experience.
Sometimes the best way to connect to the world is to get on a plane and go someplace new; we hope you will join us when you do!
Our trips and partner-travel opportunities give you behind-the-scenes perspectives and provide opportunities for travelers to connect authentically with people across the world.
WorldOregon is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America network and partners with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, which offers a wide range of travel opportunities to members of that network. Most trips are small-group land tours or small-ship cruises with Council leaders, expert speakers, and behind-the-scenes special events. For more information, please visit the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s travel page.
Cultural Capitals of Spain: Madrid & Barcelona
September 16–25, 2025
With Derrick Olsen,
WorldOregon President
On this eight-night, small-group journey, be enamored by the captivating cities of Madrid and Barcelona! See world-renowned art by Spanish masters at Madrid’s Prado Museum. Explore Barcelona’s Gothic quarter, marvel at Toledo’s UNESCO landmarks and be awed by Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí’s surreal works at Park Güell. Along the way, taste tantalizing Spanish cuisine and learn to cook Catalan specialties! Includes ample free time, first-class hotels and a generous meal plan.
$4,895 per person plus taxes & airfare—a savings of $250 if booked by 4/1/2025! Additional discount available for paying in full upon booking.
Contact the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia Travel department for more information on this tour
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