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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.

Gwen Tilton

Home Host, International Exchanges

Martin and Dren are two very interesting guys and we talked until it was dark and time for them to leave. They have such interesting stories about the history of their countries and their live in person experiences. Glenn and I enjoy these visits with people from other countries. It makes for a lively conversation, and we learn so many things from them. It feels as though we have traveled to a foreign place for a little while. Much better than going to the movies.
Mark Haneke

Air Service Development Marketing Manager, Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Participating in NorCalWTC programs, such as the International Marketing Professionals program and the International Business Luncheon has enabled me, as a newcomer to Sacramento, to grow my circle of internationally-oriented, like-minded business colleagues, increase my networking and expand my outreach, on behalf of SMF airport, to local stakeholders. Being a member of NorCalWTC has been an invaluable tool for me to achieve my professional goals during the first year in my position with the airport.
Kaycee Shreeve

Operations and Support, California Pavement Maintenance Co., Inc., dba Rayner Equipment Systems

I wanted to let you know I thought the Letter of Credit seminar was incredibly beneficial and how happy my team is that WTC reached out to us to attend. Not knowing what we might learn from the seminar we only sent one person, but would definitely send one or two more to a future seminar. The information was invaluable, and the setup, food, etc were all excellent. Thank you again and I look forward to seeing you at future events.
Diana Erwin

Communications + Marketing Director, Miyamoto International

The reason I love this [International Marketing Professionals] group is because I really feel like I know people with international expertise whom I can call up for advice when I have a marketing emergency.
Leandra Wilson

Director of Strategic Operations & HR, Harris & Bruno International

As a manufacturer of printing equipment that gets exported globally, the Nor Cal WTC has been a great resource for us. We particularly enjoy the Exporter Roundtable luncheons. There is so much to learn in the world of exporting, especially when dealing with so many different countries, that we always learn something new. It’s been great to hear from the expert guest speakers and network with others in the area. The connections are great and we all share experiences and learn from each other.
Dennis Amoroso

President, Advanced Materials Processing Inc.

The work you and your associates have done to successfully bring a tour into our pilot plant has matured into an excellent relationship with some Chinese business associates. They are quite interested in our products and how they can repair damaged farmlands. Thank you once again for all your excellent work!
Kevin Mather

VP International Business, PASCO Scientific

The value of membership with the NorCalWTC was immediately proven by the contacts we have made via their International Visitors program. The connections we developed and the value of the networking opportunity easily saved several days of international travel, which more than paid for our membership. It’s easy to get isolated in the world of exporters and the ability to get connected to other exporters is a huge, huge help.