Elmhurst University recently hosted a delegation of senior officers from the Parliament of Mongolia for an afternoon of dialogue around topics of government, policy and education.

The delegation’s visit on Nov. 12 to the University and the City of Elmhurst was part of the Open World program, a professional exchange program organized by the Congressional Office for International Leadership, an agency of the U.S. Congress; and coordinated by the Council of International Programs Chicago.

The delegation was scheduled to make stops around Illinois for discussions with legislators, judges, academicians, advocacy leaders and other leaders from a variety of institutions.

Elmhurst University was the only educational institution on the delegation’s itinerary. During their visit to campus, delegates met with President Troy D. VanAken, learned about the U.S. legislative process and political system from political science professor Connie Mixon, and learned about the international student admission process from President VanAken and Kara Johnson, director of international admission. The delegates in turn provided an overview of Mongolia’s democratic and educational systems for Elmhurst faculty and students.

“It was a privilege to sit down with this distinguished group of leaders and talk about not only our institutional roles and processes, but also our hopes and goals,” President VanAken said. “We all benefit from these important opportunities for cultural and intellectual exchange.”

Delegates also got a campus tour and met with DuPage County Board Member Cindy Cronin-Cahill. Earlier in the day, the delegation visited the Elmhurst History Museum and Elmhurst City Hall, where city officials gave an interactive presentation focused on Elmhurst’s operational priorities, community programs and approach to governance.

More than 31,000 current and future leaders from partner countries have participated in the Open World program. Participants are provided with exposure to the work of Congress, American politics, accountable governance and volunteerism while being home hosted by American families.