Let's talk youth opportunity, community resilience, financial security and healthy communities.

Community Impact

The time is now! In just 1.5 weeks, 20 Iraqi youth and 3 adult mentors will be in Kalamazoo through the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP). Rescheduled from Summer 2025, 

we're looking for families like yours to open their homes for overnight hosting from July 15-28. 

We are so close to the finish line. Help us get there! This is the largest group we have ever hosted in the summer.

Learn more about the opportunity from WWMT

 and hear from previous hosts on our blog

We chose to be a host family because we are a family, and bringing other people into our family enriches our lives

.” When their family hosted two teenage girls from Iraq, “

the relationship that they developed with our 10 year old was just priceless

— Dan Stevens, host Dad and Board Member

If you can’t host, or even if you can, 

please forward this message to someone who might be interested!

What does hosting an Iraqi teen involve, and how do I know if it’s right for me?

Hosting a teen from the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program lasts about two weeks (July 15-28) and includes providing a private sleeping space (or shared bedroom with a child of the same gender), breakfast, dinner, and some transportation support. You don’t need to be a tour guide. Global Ties Kalamazoo handles the daytime programming! If you enjoy meeting new people and learning about different cultures, this could be a great fit.

Do I need to speak a foreign language to volunteer or host?

Nope! Visitors always find ways to communicate. Your hospitality and openness matter more than your language skills.

What support does Global Ties Kalamazoo provide for homestay hosts?

Folks that open their homes to one of our international guests receive detailed itineraries, emergency contacts, cultural background info, and regular check-ins. You’re never on your own. Global Ties Kalamazoo is here to help every step of the way, as are fellow hosts.

Now's your chance! Host an Iraqi youth leader from July 15-28

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