ICDLA has participated in the Open World Program since it began in 1999. Open World was originally established as a Library of Congress administered pilot project giving emerging Russian leaders firsthand exposure to American democracy through visits to local communities in the United States. The program is now administered by the Open World Leadership Center, an independent entity established in 2000 in the U.S. legislative branch. In 2003, Open World began expanding to other countries, and now includes participants from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and most recently Poland. The principles of accountability, transparency, and citizen involvement in government are among the concepts emphasized by the Open World Program. 

​

ICDLA members and resources have responded by opening their offices and homes to these visitors. Open World is ICDLA's only program requiring participants to stay in homes during their time in the L.A. area. This provides an opportunity for them to experience day-to-day life in Los Angeles. Home hosts also receive a unique opportunity to learn about a different culture up close, make new friends, and then, perhaps, visit their guest's home in Eurasia.​