I was an ICYE participant and I would like to contact other former participants - my host family - other people involved in ICYE?

What does ICYE stand for?

Who can participate in the ICYE programme?

Can I work and earn money through the ICYE programme?

How is ICYE structured?

How is ICYE funded?

What will I get out of my "ICYE experience"?

I was an ICYE participant and I would like to contact other former participants - my host family - other people involved in ICYE?

First check to see if the people you are looking for have registered themselves in our Message Board by going to the "Looking for a Friend?" section of this web site. Our Message Board is a database where ICYE friends, returnees (former program participants), host and natural families, and volunteers can register by providing basic data about themselves.

What does ICYE stand for?

ICYE stands for The International Cultural Youth Exchange, formerly called International Christian Youth Exchange. ICYE is an international non-profit youth exchange organisation promoting youth mobility, intercultural learning and international voluntary service.

Who can participate in the ICYE programme?

Can I work and earn money through the ICYE programme?

No! In line with the aims and objectives of our programme, ICYE participants are volunteers who serve for a period of six to twelve months in a voluntary service organisations, without any financial remuneration. Only a monthly stipend – which varies from country to country – is provided for participant’s out of pocket personal expenses.

How is ICYE structured?

ICYE is a Federation of Full and Associate Member National Committees. National Committees are autonomous. They develop and run the program according to the needs of the youth of their countries, and following policies and guidelines prepared and adopted by the General Assembly (GA) of the Federation. The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the Federation. It meets every second year - one delegate of each ICYE National Committee attends. In between General Assemblies a four-member Board of Managers acts and decides on behalf of the GA. The ICYE International Office, located in Berlin, Germany, carries out and co-ordinates activities and programmes. ICYE Regional Associations provide support on programme development and training to National Committees in Africa, the Americas, Asia/Pacific, and Europe.

How is ICYE funded?

ICYE member organisations maintain their own, autonomous financial systems. Each ICYE organisation is supported mainly through fees participants pay to go on the programme, but also through grants and donations from governments and individuals. The international structure of the Federation is supported through a system of membership and per-capita fees, paid by each member organisation. Others support ICYE by providing materials, meeting space or services. Very significant in-kind contributions are received from the thousands active co-workers who contribute their time and hard work to ICYE.

What will I get out of my "ICYE experience"?

Through ICYE’s long and short-term exchange programmes, young people can be part of a unique international educational experience that combines intercultural learning with voluntary service opportunities. By living aboard with a family or residential project and working in local community development organisations, ICYE volunteers are provided an intercultural experience providing opportunities for learning, self-awareness and global education. Our participants acquire cross cultural skills and problem solving abilities, for their personal and professional development. ICYE helps them to share their experiences, hopes and dreams, and make life-long friendships with people from another country as well as with other international volunteers.