San Francisco Bay Area
International Exchanges
Global Ties San Francisco is a division of the Northern California World Trade Center. Each year, Global Ties San Francisco hosts over 1,000 international visitors in the Bay Area for short-term professional and diplomatic exchanges addressing global topics like entrepreneurship, technological advancement, women’s empowerment, climate change, and trade as part of the Northern California World Trade Center’s International Visitor Program and in partnership with Global Ties U.S. and the U.S. Department of State.
Through these short-term visits, current and emerging foreign leaders exchange cutting-edge information with their professional counterparts in California, experience local culture, and cultivate lasting relationships with American citizens. Read about our upcoming visitors for the greater Sacramento region and San Francisco Bay Area.
Top Program Areas for San Francisco Visitors
- Civil Society, Human Rights & Grassroots Advocacy
- Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology
- Environment & Climate Change
- U.S. Foreign Policy & Trade Relations
- Women in Leadership
Regional Impact
In addition to arranging professional itineraries, Global Ties San Francisco secures hotel rooms, charters transportation companies, and books various cultural activities in the local community, which brings interest and income from tourism to the region.
In 2013, Global Ties San Francisco hosted over 1,000 international visitors, generating more than $6 million for the San Francisco Bay Area through hotel nights, tourist attraction visits, transportation, and food. Regional volunteers also donated over 14,000 hours of service to assist our mission.
How Can You Get Involved?
- Become a member for exclusive opportunities to meet with visitors in your industry.
- Host visitors for a meal at your home.
- Apply to become a program intern or volunteer.
- Make a tax-deductible contribution to support our mission.
About This Office
Global Ties San Francisco is a division of the Northern California World Trade Center. This office opened in December 2013 to implement the U.S. Department of State’s premier exchange program, the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), in the San Francisco Bay Area. Global Ties San Francisco and the Northern California World Trade Center are members of the Global Ties U.S. network.