Support international exchange, cultural understanding, and community service. Join us in making a difference.
Become a Volunteer with CIP Chicago
By volunteering with CIP Chicago, you become a catalyst for transformative international exchange, fostering deep cultural understanding and building bridges that connect Chicago to a global community of professionals and future leaders
Your impact as a volunteer:
- Welcome CIP participants from around the world to Chicago
- Orient visiting professionals as they learn to navigate our beautiful city
- Create a foundation for successful cultural integration and professional growth throughout their stay
- Fosterross-cultural relationships
- Facilitate authentic relationships between international visitors and local Chicago communities
- Break down cultural barriers and create lasting friendships that extend far beyond program completion
- Strengthen Chicago’s global network
- Contribute to positioning Chicago as a welcoming international hub by supporting professionals who often return to leadership positions in their home countries
- Create valuable long-term partnerships for our city and its institutions
- Enhance professional development opportunities
- Assist in coordinating workplace experiences that provide international professionals with practical skills
- Offer local businesses fresh global perspectives and innovative approaches to challenges
- Create lasting global impact
- Be part of a movement that has connected over 15,000 international professionals since 1956
- Build a worldwide network of culturally competent leaders who continue to foster international cooperation and understanding
How You Can Make a Difference:
- Program Support & Event Coordination
- Bring our programs to life by assisting with event setup, managing logistics for orientations and cultural activities
- Ensure smooth operations during participant arrivals and program milestones
- Mentorship & Cultural Hosting
- Serve as a personal guide for international professionals by offering one-on-one mentorship
- Host welcome dinners or cultural outings
- Share Chicago insights and provide ongoing support throughout participant journeys
- Community Engagement & Connection
- Act as a bridge between visitors and Chicago’s vibrant community by connecting participants to local events, professional networking opportunities, cultural attractions, and essential city resources
- Communications & Administrative Support
- Contribute your skills in social media management, outreach campaigns, content creation, database management, or general administrative tasks that keep our programs running efficiently
- Professional Development Assistance
- Share your expertise by helping with resume reviews, interview preparation, workplace culture guidance, or facilitating connections within your professional network
Flexible Commitment Options:
Whether you have just a few hours to volunteer at a single event, can commit to monthly activities, or want to develop an ongoing mentorship relationship — there’s a meaningful role that fits your schedule and interests. Every contribution, no matter the size, creates ripple effects that impact lives across the globe.
Anyone with a passion for culture, community, and connection is welcome!
We believe that meaningful volunteer experiences come from open hearts and curious minds, not from strict qualifications or extensive experience. Whether you’re new to volunteering or have years of community service behind you, what matters most is your enthusiasm for learning from others and creating genuine connections across cultures.
Our Volunteer Community Includes:
- Students seeking to gain real-world experience while building global perspectives and professional networks
- Young Professionals looking to expand their cultural competence, develop leadership skills, and give back to their community during evenings and weekends
- Retirees eager to share their wisdom and life experience while staying actively engaged with Chicago’s international community
- Career Changers exploring new interests and building skills in international relations, event planning, or cross-cultural communication
- Chicago Newcomers who want to connect with their new city while helping others navigate similar transitions
We strive to make volunteering inclusive and accessible to all.
Step 1: Fill out the form below
Step 2: We’ll reach out to match you with an opportunity
Step 3: Attend a short orientation/training (if needed)
Step 4: Begin volunteering and making an impact!
Q: What types of volunteer positions are available?
A: We offer diverse opportunities including airport pickup coordination, host family liaison, cultural event planning, administrative support, translation services, mentoring international visitors, and social media assistance.
Q: Can I volunteer remotely?
A: Absolutely! Many positions can be done remotely, including translation work, social media management, research assistance, and virtual mentoring programs.
Q: How much time commitment is expected?
A: 2-20 hours a week (flexible)
Q: Do I need to speak other languages?
A: While multilingual skills are valuable, they’re not required for all positions. Most international participants speak English, and we provide translation support when needed.
Q: Who can I contact with questions not covered here?
A: Reach out to us at voluntee@cipchicago.org or call (312) 545-6882. We’re happy to discuss any questions about volunteering with our organization.