International Exchange Programs
The international exchange programs offer professional, cultural and educational exchange opportunities. The program combines practical and theoretical information about the social and cultural environment of the host country beside Cross-cultural exchange the participants who come from many different countries.
International Professional Exchange Programs 2013/2014
The following CIF National Branches have announced their 2013/2014 PEP here (PDF) (updated 28.2.2013) with the NBs you still can apply: Nepal (PDF) with deadline Sep 15th and the Netherlands (PDF) with deadline May 15th, 2013 also some flyers here for your information of this year's PEPs: Austria & Czech (PDF), Finland (PDF), France (PDF), Germany (PDF), Hellas (PDF), Israel (PDF), Kenya (PDF), Norway (PDF) and Switzerland (PDF).
How to apply
Applicants are expected to have a minimum of two or three years professional experience. For more detailed eligibility requirements, length of stay, application deadlines and other details, please check the home pages of the branch or flyers above and obtain information about the application process from your National Branch (NB) or Contact Person (CP) in your country. If there is no NB/CP available, then contact directly the host country where you plan to apply for the exchange program.
Components of a typical exchange program
Orientation
The orientation of a program is aimed at providing a theoretical framework to understand the social, economic and cultural trends prevalent in the country with a historical perspective, building group cohesiveness, tolerance and understanding.
Experience in a multicultural group
Every participant presents work methods and intervention strategies, as well as the socioeconomic situation and cultural trends of her/his own country. This facilitates cultural exchange, cross-cultural training, and sharing of ideas and skills.
Agency Placements
Participants are placed to train in agencies related to their own specialized field, to observe and experience professional social work in the host country.
Host Family Living
Living with host families provides participants with an unique cultural experience that enriches the understanding and tolerance of diversities and develops lasting cross-cultural friendships.
Evaluation
Evaluation offers participants an opportunity to clarify new gained impressions, knowledge and experience, in order to assess the effectiveness of the program.