About Us
CCI: The Greenheart of Cultural Exchange
Established in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a nonprofit international educational exchange organization based in Chicago, IL. 
Our Mission: To promote cultural understanding, academic development, environmental consciousness and world peace
CCI organizes high school exchange, short-term homestays, ESL camps, intern and trainee, summer work travel programs in the U.S. and through our Greenheart Travel division, study, teach, work, volunteer, and language programs in over 35 countries around the world. CCI now sends and receives close to 10,000 participants annually — a remarkable increase since our first seven students participated in the high school exchange program in 1985. In 2004, CCI adopted Greenheart as its environmental and social initiative. Greenheart connects people and planet through environmentalism, fair trade, social transformation and cross cultural understanding.
What makes CCI the "Greenheart of Cultural Exchange"?
CCI is more than a cultural exchange organization. We offer opportunities to our American and international participants to make a difference in the world through active participation in environmental and social service projects. We encourage our staff to volunteer in their community and practice socially responsible business practices. Greenheart is a worldwide movement promoting environmentally sustainable principles and practices, personal evolution and social transformation. Learn more about CCI's Greenheart programs: Greenheart Club, Greenheart Shop, Greenheart Travel and Greenheart Transforms
Learn more about our programs in our organizational brochure. You will need Adobe Flash (download it free) to view the digital edition below, or you can also view our PDF version.
Our Affiliations & Accolades
CCI is designated by the United States Department of State as a J-1 Exchange Visitor Program sponsor for the Secondary School, Intern and Trainee, and Summer Work Travel programs. CCI is currently granted full listing by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). We are also a member of the World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation (WYSTC), WYSE: Work Abroad Association, and The Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange. Individuals in our organization are also members of NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
CCI has been endorsed by the Mayor of Chicago and the City Council for the promotion of international education, environmental awareness and citizen diplomacy.