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a leader in international youth exchange programmes with more than 50 years of experience
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long and short - term exchange programmes for 2.000 participants annually
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an international Federation of National Committees in 34 countries
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an international voluntary service programme promoting young people’s active and global citizenship
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an experience based programme to enhance young people’s intercultural understanding and commitment to peace and justice
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an international network co-ordinated by national offices and dedicated co-workers, who provide volunteers with the necessary orientation, training and support
The International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) is an international non-profit youth exchange organisation promoting youth mobility, intercultural learning and international voluntary service. ICYE organises long and short-term exchanges combining home stays with voluntary service in a variety of community service projects inalmost 50countries around the world.

ICYE originated in 1949 as the International Christian Youth Exchange, a post-World War II reconciliation exchange programme between Germany and the United States of America. In 1949, with the world still recovering from the horrors of war, 50 courageous German teenagers ventured across the Atlantic and were welcomed as ICYE “exchangees” into host families in the USA. ICYE was born!
Building bridges of peace, justice, and understanding through personal encounters has been our goal over the past 50 years. ICYE is open to all persons who subscribe to its stated aims and purposes regardless of their religious affiliation, their nationality, their ethnic background or their socio-economic position. Our programmes have been constantly revised and modified to reflect changes in society at a local, national and global level.
Today the ICYE Federation is an international independent non-profit organisation with National Committees in Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Its headquarters are in Berlin, Germany.
More insights into the development of ICYE can be found in the historical notes by Bill Perkins: "An Incomplete Story - International Christian Youth Exchange - 1949-1972".
JOIN ICYE!
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United Nations Economic and Social Council - ECOSOC (Consultative Status)
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United Nations Department of Public Information, DPI-NGO Committee
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UNESCO (Official Operational Relations)
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UNESCO NGOs Liaison Committee
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European Commission, Directorate General Education and Culture - Youth Unit
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World Council of Churches (working relations as international ecumenical organisation)
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Co-ordinating Committee of International Voluntary Service (CCIVS)
On September 15, 1987, in recognition of "a significant contribution to the programme and objectives of the International Year of Peace, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly", the UN Secretary-General, Javier Perez de Cuellar, designated ICYE as a Peace Messenger.

The Association of ICYE in Europe, which includes Federation members in Europe, maintains Consultative Status with the Council of Europe, and is a full member of the European Youth Forum and of the Association of Voluntary Service Organisations (AVSO).









