ICYE Long Term Programme

         

   International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE)

   ICYE Long Term Programme

      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.

How long: 6-12 months

When: Throughout the year

Destinations: Countries all over the world.

Activities: Social, Environmental, Youth Work, Arts/Cultural, Language, Sport etc.

Who can apply: 18 to 25 (up to 30 in certain countries),

Cost: Programme fee is applied.

    To be a volunteer with ICYE means to integrate in the life and work of the hosting organisation and wider community. Volunteers are encouraged and supported to get involved in the planning and managing of distinct activities, take part in staff meetings, and to take on responsibilities according to their skills and interests, as well as the needs of the project. An important aspect of the voluntary service experience is the volunteer’s active participation in the life of the community in which he/she lives and works.
    Voluntary service placements offered by ICYE include social work projects dealing with children and young people at risk, with the elderly, the disabled, rural and health development projects, human rights organisations, peace associations, ecological projects, women’s groups, migrant workers’ support groups, fair-trade shops, and solidarity projects.

      Who can volunteer? Any special requirement?

   There is no such thing as a 'typical' volunteer. ICYE volunteers should be:
•    flexible, communicative, and open to new experiences,
•    willing to learn new skills
•    broad-minded and self-reliant
•    committed to inter-cultural understanding
   ICYE Volunteers don't need:
•    Specialised skills or work experience
•    Existing foreign language skills
•    Experience of international travel
   Disabled volunteers are asked to submit applications early - at least six months prior to the start of the programme. This means that ICYE can make appropriate arrangements with the National Committee in the country of your choice. Please note that Personal Assistants must be recruited and funded by you, or an appropriate organisation.

     What does your stay abroad with ICYE involve?

    Before your departure
  The world-wide network of ICYE staff and co-workers carefully select and prepare programme participants before departure. Each ICYE national committee organises information and recruitment days where you can meet people who have just returned from their year abroad, find out more about ICYE and the countries where we operate. This is also our chance to find out a bit more about you, your reasons for volunteering abroad and the type of work you would be interested in doing. A "pre-departure weekend" enables you to meet your fellow-volunteers and share excitement and fears about your year abroad.
   Your stay abroad
  Upon your arrival in the host country your "orientation period" lasts up to a month. You will learn about the people, culture, the local ICYE and your work placement. You will also receive an introductory language course to help you get by. After the orientation, you will be off to work and to move into your new home. You will be either living with a family or in a shared living situation and work as a volunteer in a local project, for 6 or 12 months.
  The voluntary service opportunities offered range from social work (such as projects dealing with children and youths at risk, with the elderly, the disabled), rural and health development projects, to peace education, ecological projects, women's groups, youth centres, migrant workers' support groups, fair-trade shops, hospitals, solidarity projects, and refugee centres.
  The "mid-year camp" is a chance to catch up with other volunteers and join with your ICYE hosting committee to evaluate your first six months. Sometimes this may be combined with a conference on an issue relevant to your host country.
  The last official meeting for the volunteers is the "end-of-stay evaluation", where you will discuss your experiences and prepare to return home - which is often the hardest part! You will get support from people who have spent a year abroad and get some advice on settling back in. After the evaluation you have a free month before returning to your home country. Most volunteers take this opportunity to travel and see more of the country.
      Returning home
  Upon your return home, your sending national committees will organise a "returnees residential weekend" together with other returning volunteers as well as incoming foreign volunteers which will give you a chance to tell your sending organisation about how your year went and to find out what is happening with ICYE in your home country and elsewhere.
  You will also be invited to join ICYE's membership scheme in your country which will give you access to national and international events, meetings and seminars.
     How do I apply?
  For individuals interested in volunteering in Moldova, you need to get in touch with the ICYE National Committee in your country of residence, from which you can obtain more detailed information about conditions of participation, application forms and selection procedures.
  For individuals living in Moldova who want to volunteer abroad with ICYE Long Term Programme please contact ADVIT Moldova.
  For more info about ICYE and there programmes, please visit ICYE’s official homepage: www.icye.org

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