A non-profit that promotes international understanding among global communities through professional development and cross-cultural exchange. The mission of the Council of International Programs Chicago (CIP Chicago) is to promote global peace through international training and cross-cultural exchange. CIP Chicago recruits and places highly-qualified and experienced professionals from abroad to work and train at businesses, nonprofits and government departments, primarily in the Chicago area. An affiliate of CIPUSA, a U.S. Department of State J-1 visa exchange visitor program (www.cipusa.org), CIP Chicago was founded in 1956. Over the years, CIP has brought nearly 15,000 international professionals from 147 countries to the U.S. They lived with host families; worked at businesses, government institutions, and nonprofits; and returned home with enhanced knowledge and skills to serve their countries and communities.