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What We Do

Citizen Diplomacy International helps Philadelphians like you forge personal connections with visitors from abroad.

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Together, through person-to-person experiences, we showcase the best of Philadelphia, shaping and elevating the reputation of our city and our country around the globe. Why? Because genuine cross-cultural conversations and relationships are one of the best ways to overcome the challenges facing our world.

Engaging What Matters

Every year, we connect 700 international guests with 2,250 volunteer Citizen Diplomats—Philadelphians who are driven by a curiosity about the world. From high school and university exchanges to homestays and office visits, our prestigious initiatives foster civic engagement on an individual level. These diplomatic interactions promote mutual respect and understanding that leads to a more civil, peaceful, and prosperous world.

CDI members having a conversation

Our Programs

Professional Leadership Exchanges

Each year, Citizen Diplomacy welcomes more than 450 current and emerging leaders from 147+ countries to Philadelphia through programs and initiatives of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
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Sister Cities

Philadelphia’s 11 Sister City relationships provide economic, educational, cultural and diplomatic opportunities for hundreds of citizen diplomats every year – from students to established professionals to entrepreneurs.
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CDI student having a speech

Citizen Diplomat Academy

A free, virtual, international exchange program for high school and university students in Philadelphia and abroad who are interested in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
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Dialogue

We host virtual conversations with Philadelphia’s international thinkers, past international visitors, and Citizen Diplomats from all over the world. You want to know how people around the world solve problems, and we want to keep you connected to our worldwide community of Citizen Diplomats.
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CDI international students

University Programs

Colleges, universities and their students are important partners to Citizen Diplomacy programs. International exchange helps cement America's place as the world leader in international education. No country has trained more foreign leaders than the United States.
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Request a Speaker

Fill out this form to have an international visitor or an alumnus of our programs speak to your students, company, or community group.
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Become a
Citizen Diplomat

Join us in creating a more peaceful, prosperous world, one conversation at a time. Become a member to receive first priority for new opportunities and events. Or make a donation to empower Philadelphia’s citizen diplomats. 

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