As the holidays approach, gratitude is top of mind here in Kalamazoo. Around every dinner table, community gathering, and volunteer event, there's a shared sense of connection that stretches far beyond our city limits. At Global Ties Kalamazoo, that spirit of connection defines our work all year long. We're deeply thankful for the hosts, volunteers, partners, and international visitors who make our global community in Kalamazoo thrive.

Together, we’ve turned moments of hospitality into lasting friendships that span continents—and some of the most powerful examples of that impact can be seen in our recent professional exchanges.

When Libraries Become Gateways to the World

The professional learning that happens during exchanges like this is only part of the story. Behind every successful exchange are the people who open their homes and hearts. Kalamazoo's volunteer hosts and partners make visitors feel like family—sharing meals, swapping stories, and finding common ground that transcends language and culture.

Their generosity doesn't just make our guests feel welcome; it also strengthens Kalamazoo's role as a trusted destination for professional exchanges that inspire understanding and respect. This is citizen diplomacy in action—proof that small acts of hospitality can have global reach. Every conversation, tour, and shared meal reinforces what makes the global community in Kalamazoo so special: collaboration rooted in compassion, whether it happens in a living room, at a library, or around a dinner table.

Giving Thanks—and Looking Ahead

All these moments—from library visits to home-hosted meals—shape the gratitude we feel this season. This Thanksgiving, we're grateful for everyone who makes international exchange possible in Kalamazoo:

Hosts and volunteers who create a warm welcome.
Local partners who share expertise and open their doors.
Visitors and fellows who remind us that learning is mutual.

Your support nurtures diversity, lifelong learning, and global connection right here at home. Together, we're building a global community in Kalamazoo—one visit, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time. The stories from exchanges like the Lithuanian library visit show how each connection today can lead to new opportunities for collaboration tomorrow.

If you’ve already participated in international exchange, we’d like to thank you. If you haven’t yet but would like to get involved, there are many ways to help:

• Host an international visitor.

• Volunteer your time or expertise.

• Support future exchanges with a contribution to Global Ties Kalamazoo.

Because when Kalamazoo welcomes the world, the world gives back in ways that enrich us all.