Being a volunteer abroad

International Cultural Youth Exchange offers young people between the ages of 16 and 25 (And up to 30 in some countries) the opportunity to live in a family, or in a shared living situation, and to work as a volunteer in community or social work based projects.

These opportunities are open to anyone, regardless of academic qualifications, employment status, whether they have finished seconadary school, attending university or working.

Exchangees can participate on either a six month or a 12 month programme.

The voluntary services opportunities offered include the following:
Social work (Working with children,, youth at risk, the elderly and the disabled),
Rural and health development projects,
Peace education projects,
Cultural work,
Environmental projects,
Women's groups,
Youth centres,
Migrant workers' support organisations,
Fair trade shops,
Hospitals,
Farms,
Solidarity projects,
Schools,
Kindergartens,
Refugee centres… The list is diverse!

Attending secondary school abroad

Some ICYE national committees offer a high school/secondary school based programme for students aged between 16 and 18.

Through this international educational experience, exchange students have the unique opportunity to learn another language, learn about the culture of their host country, live with a host family, make life long friendships in a school and the local community.

The particiapnts will share their experiences with other exchange students from around the world.

Exchange students also have the possibility to participate in social work as a volunteer, and will attend orientation, evaluation and isse based conferences.

Participation in such events and conferences will increase the awareness of issues affecting communities both locally and globally.

National committees within the Asia/Pacific region, who operate a one year high school programme are:

Japan, India and South Korea.