Dinner Hospitality
Host a Future World Leader for Dinner
The Georgia Council for International Visitors works with the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies to welcome emerging global leaders to Georgia—while offering Georgia residents a unique opportunity to engage with international visitors on a personal, human level through dinner hospitality.
Hosts provide a meal and a welcoming environment; visitors share perspectives from their home countries, professional experiences and typically relish this opportunity to ask questions about American life.
Who Participates?
Dinner Hospitality participants include:
International visitors participating in U.S. government–sponsored professional exchange programs who are identified as movers and shakers or emerging leaders in their communities
Georgia residents interested in global dialogue and cultural exchange
Imagine having the former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of Mexico Felipe Calderón or the former Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland Enda Kenny over to your home for a casual dinner. All 3 world leaders were international exchange participants and dinner hospitality guests early in their careers. Individuals like you hosted them for dinner, just as you can host the next generation of world leaders for dinner hospitality.
Travel the World Without Leaving Home
Dinner Hospitality Testimonial
““We have been really amazed at how connected you can become in conversation with people who barely speak English. You don’t have to have something significant to discuss, just ask about their families, jobs and lives and you could talk all night. People ought to realize that you do not need to have a showplace and a chef-quality meal at all. Keep it casual, simple, warm and people just want to be open and talk and talk. We now have email ‘pals’ and are really enjoying this whole concept. What a life-enriching and really fun thing to do!””
Role of Dinner Hosts
GCIV Dinner Hospitality hosts are willing to:
Open their homes for an evening meal
Engage in respectful conversation and cultural exchange
Represent the diversity and hospitality of Georgia communities - this is part of what makes dinner hospitality so fascinating and enjoyable for international exchange participants
No special expertise or environment is required—only an interest in meeting people from around the world and participating in people-to-people citizen diplomacy.
International Visitors Experience
Dinner Hospitality offers international visitors:
A firsthand look at American life beyond professional meetings
Meaningful, casual conversations with Georgia residents
Cultural exchange in a relaxed, welcoming setting
The dinner hospitality experience complements professional meetings and site visits, helping international visitors better understand U.S. society, values, and community life at the local level. Dinner hospitality is often ranked by international visitors as the highlight and most impactful portion of international exchange programs.
Global Impact
Dinner Hospitality often leads to:
Long-lasting personal and professional relationships
Ongoing international collaboration and dialogue
Invitations for hosts to visit former guests abroad
Stronger global understanding through direct human connection
Alongside professional meetings, these informal exchanges help foster mutual understanding and collaboration between Georgia communities and international leaders.
Ready to Host?
Contact Hannah Kim at hannah@gciv.org for more information on how to get involved in professional programs or dinner hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Any Georgia resident with an interest in international exchange and the ability to host a small dinner gathering may participate.
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No. Dinner Hospitality is designed for community members from all backgrounds.
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International visitors are nominated by U.S. embassies around the world and selected by the U.S. Department of State and other partner agencies as part of professional international exchange programs. Selected individuals are typically identified as influential, high performers or emerging leaders in their communities.
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GCIV announces Dinner Hospitality opportunities through its monthly e-newsletter.
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International exchange participants love to see where you live, but you are not required to cook. You are welcome to cater or dine out at your own expense.
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No, you do not have to host dinner hospitality in a house. You are welcome to host visitors in apartments or offices. The most important aspect is that dinner hospitality provides a casual setting for international exchange participants to get to know you!
Other Questions?
Still have questions? Email Hannah Kim at hannah@gciv.org.
Get Involved
Subscribe to GCIV’s monthly newsletter to receive announcements about upcoming visitors and Dinner Hospitality opportunities.