World Link works to build cross-cultural understanding and collaboration skills in youth through exchange, leadership development and rural entrepreneurship programs around the world. Providing "Exchange With A Purpose" is the mission of World Link, a private non-profit organization headquartered in Kalona, Iowa (USA). World Link conducts exchange programs for youth through publicly sponsored projects that seek to improve the understanding and cooperation among the peoples and cultures of the world. Countries served by World Link are determined by the U.S. Congress, or other government sponsor, and are selected to serve public diplomacy missions. Since the World Link founders were initially involved in exchange programs in 1993, over 3,000 student participants and 300 teachers have been involved in exchange programs. World Link was founded in 2002, with a merger of staff from international program departments from the National FFA Organization and the Russian Rural Youth Union. Today, World Link, is still operated by its’ founders and built a network of 4 staff and 20 local coordinators to implement the cultural exchange programs.