Open World Leadership Center Information

Founded in 1999 by Congress, the Congressional Office for International Leadership (formerly known as the Open World Leadership Center) maintains a vast network of more than 29,000 alumni in strategic countries, including Russia, Ukraine, and others in the Caucuses Central Asia, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe. COIL administers the Open World program through which it supports international outreach efforts for Members of Congress by conducting exchanges that establish lasting professional relationships between emerging leaders and their U.S. counterparts. Program participants receive extensive exposure to American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy while being home hosted by American families. To learn more about the Open World program, please visit @owprogram.