Through its long term exchange programmes ICYE reaches out to young people who wish to widen their horizons in a crucial period of their lives, when critical choices are made about one’s own future.

ICYE offers young people worldwide an experience based international learning programme. The emphasis of this experience is on promoting international voluntary service as meaningful alternative to addressing social and educational needs of today’s youth. It also aims to heighten young people’s sensitivity towards social and cultural differences, their self-confidence and problem solving abilities.

Anybody aged 18-25 is eligible to participate in the ICYE programmes. No prior experience is required of participants. Just energy, enthusiasm, and motivation to face the challenge of being confronted with something new, as well as to learn more about themselves and the world they live in.

For ICYE it is very important that during the exchange programme participants are cared for as individuals who have personal needs, hopes, and fears that are unique; that they are supported in becoming involved in voluntary service and other educational activities; and that they make adjustments to, and share the life style of their host family and community, while they actively participate in ICYE programme events.

Along these lines, ICYE National Committees with their worldwide network of co-workers carefully select, prepare and match program participants, host families and projects.

Initial and on-going personal support is provided to all volunteers. These include: pre-departure intercultural introductory courses; an orientation and language course upon arrival in the host country; on-going counselling to volunteers, their respective hosts and project staff; mid-term issue seminars and a final evaluation conference.

Equally important is the follow-up meeting offered to participants after the stay abroad, to facilitate the re-insertion process in the family, academic and labour environment in the home country.

In addition, ICYE arranges for each volunteer the international and domestic travels, health and third-party liability insurance, as well as board and lodging and a monthly allowance.