International Exchange Programs (IPEPs)

The exchange programs take place in various countries around the world and in different states in the U.S.A. The participants are professional people from the fields of social welfare, social science, nursing care, education, and related care-taking fields. The programs are unique in that each branch hosts the participants in the private homes of the branch's members and offers professional structured programs with orientation of the social, political, organizational, and economic structures of the host country.

The duration of the training programs is between two - four weeks. The cost of the program includes the flight tickets, the medical insurance and a fee paid to the local branch to cover basic expenses. Some branches do not charge any fee for their program. 

Good English is essential and there are some branches that require knowledge of the language of the host country, such as France, Spain, and Argentina. In other countries, knowledge of the native language is an advantage but not required (Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Morocco, Italy.) 

It is required to obtain a written approval from the current employer allowing the person to take leave to participate in the exchange program!

The updated list of exchange programs appears on the organization's website.

The requirements for acceptance into the exchange programs:

1.  A good knowledge of English;

2.  At least 3 years of professional experience in the field of social

     or educational work;

3.  Ability to finance the round trip to the host country and the

     medical insurance;

4.  Full coverage medical insurance;

5.  An acceptance interview and a recommendation from the

     referring local branch or contact person.

Application Form can be found in the international website at PROGRAMS

In 2024 CIF International is conducting a project to assist applicants who need financial support for their participation in one of the International Professional Exchange Programs (IPEPs). Applicants are asked to apply for financial support at the same time as they send in their application to the national branch or contact person in their country.