Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Join an 86-year tradition of Welcoming the World to Iowa

Professional Host – Apply Now
Take networking to a whole new level by sharing your professional knowledge with international visitors who work in a similar field. By welcoming an international visitor into your office, you will have the chance to exchange knowledge with a leader in your field from abroad, establish new contacts, and gain insight into another culture. Professional hosting opportunities are available in most industries, and are available year-round. We are continuously seeking out creative professionals and established as well as up-and-coming experts in their respective fields to engage with our visitors. You are welcome to submit multiple times and to submit yourself!

Volunteer With International Visitors – Apply Now

Airport Greeter: Nothing says Iowa hospitality like being greeted upon your arrival! Airport greeters carry a sign to greet the visitors at the airport, assist them at baggage claim, and guide them to their airport transportation. Commitment to this opportunity is approximately 2 hours, accounting for potential early or late arrivals.

Dinner Host: Do you enjoy meeting people from other countries? Become a citizen diplomat by spending a
casual evening of conversation and food with international visitors. Dinner hospitality is a great way to interact on an informal, personal level with international visitors, who often cite dinners with Iowa families as their most enjoyable experience during their stay! Hospitality hosting opportunities are available year-round for groups of 2-6 people.

Homestay Host: Have an extra bedroom? Each year, the Iowa International Center hosts groups that are interested in a homestay opportunity during their time in Des Moines. Homestays are an excellent way for visitors to learn more about the day-to-day routines of Iowa families. Homestay hosting opportunities are available year-round for groups of 1-4 people and typically are about one week in length. DRIVER Show off your local knowledge by serving as a volunteer driver. You’re guaranteed to learn something new, too, as escorts accompany visitors to their meetings and often join them for lunch and cultural activities. Volunteer must have a valid driver’s license and insurance and are subject to background checks. Volunteer drivers are not reimbursed for their mileage.

‘EXPLORE DES MOINES’ HOST: If a visiting group has an extra free night during their visit, you can help visitors see more of Des Moines. These are optional outings for the visitors. Volunteers and visitors meet in the hotel lobby at a designated time, discuss options for the evening, and then pair up based on interests. A meal should be included in the plan, but the visitors are expected to pay for their dinner. Give them a drive around Des Moines and show them everything the city has to offer! Explore Des Moines volunteers must have a flexible attitude and a willingness to provide transportation. Explore Des Moines outings generally last 2 to 3 hours, and these opportunities are available year-round.

Call us at (515)-282-8269 ext 15 or complete the following form to email Hannah Huisman, International Visitors Program Manager:

Contact us
3839 Merle Hay Road Suite 259 Des Moines, IA 50310
515-282-8269
info@iowainternationalcenter.org

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Iowa International Center is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by members of Global Ties U.S.