Since 1999, the Open World program has been instrumental in forging lasting positive relationships between emerging and established leaders in the former Soviet Union and their American counterparts. Program participants have a range of diverse backgrounds, and come to the U.S. for 10 days with the purpose of gaining a better understanding of American democracy and the rule of law in the U.S, along with exchanging ideas on their specific program theme. The program has recently opened up to participants from across Eurasia as well.
While in the United States, visitors stay with host families to connect with local communities and immerse themselves in American culture, attend meetings with their professional counterparts in the Heartland, and engage in cultural activities. This is people-to-people exchange at its best.
Our time together was a true exchange. I empathized with my Romanian brothers and sisters as they are striving to overcome the challenges of welcoming so many persons who have experienced displacement. Their appetite to learn and share was refreshing and reflective of our need for continued connection and conversation to overcome the challenges faced by so many of our global neighbors.
From January 26-February 3, 2024, Kansas City hosted a group of Ukrainian leaders to meet with their professional counterparts and exchange knowledge and ideas on
“What would you do if hundreds of refugees started knocking on your doors overnight? They don’t speak your language, and very few people in your
“Do you know where Armenia is?” This was a common question asked by the group throughout the week, and for most, the answer was “not
1. Open up your office and meet with international visitors in your field. If you are interested in professional meetings with international leaders, send us a message on our contact us form.
2. Open World Programs require visitors to stay with local families for one week. If you are interested in hosting for the Open World Program, please fill out the host family interest form below!
3. Attend an event with for our Open World visitors!
Steps to Become a Host:
1. Fill out the interest form, then Global Ties KC will follow-up via email.
2. Household members over 18 fill out a background check form.
3. A Global Ties KC staff member visit you at your home for an in-person meet-and-greet.
4. Hosts attend orientation session and complete a host family profile for Global Ties KC to send to your visitors.
5. Once everything is complete and acceptance has been issued, you receive program & visitor information closer to the start date!
Global Ties KC creates an individualized agenda for each program to provide insight into participant professional best practices, based on program content objectives. Through meetings and site visits, participants are obtaining knowledge on how to better serve their communities back home.
A Global Ties KC staff member will be on call 24/7 during program. All exchange participants have medical insurance during the program. Hosts are not responsible for co-pay costs. Any non-emergency medical issues will be handled by Global Ties KC, typically during work hours. For evening/weekend emergencies, we will be your first point of contact and work with you to ensure appropriate care.
Whatever you would like! A critical part of this program is that the participants get to immerse themselves in everyday American life. Whether you are a family on the go and take them with you, or you’re a family that stays in for movie nights – we hope visitors walk away feeling like a member of your household. There is no pressure to go above and beyond to keep them entertained 24/7; oftentimes, they appreciate some relaxing after a long program day.
Each family can take up to two visitors in their household. It has been noted that oftentimes (when possible) hosts have a more impactful and easier host experience when they host two visitors together. It helps everyone feel more comfortable quicker. We recognize that it isn’t an option for everyone though, since it requires two separate beds.
