CISV Programs - Interchange

(CISV Interchange with Italy -Fredericton, 2005)

The Interchange program is a family-centered, two phase group exchange between two CISV chapters. This program is geared towards youth aged 12-16. Delegations usually consist of five males and five females, and an adult leader. The group is equally matched with a group from another chapter or country, and each participant is matched with a partner.

Each delegate lives with the partner's family, and the group as a whole will participate in recreational and cultural activities. Often the hosting chapter will host a mini-camp, giving the participants a chance to interact in a typical CISV camp setting. Interchanges may take place over two summers or a summer/winter split. This program involves total immersion into family and social life, and is an excellent way for youth to gain an understanding of daily life in other cultures.

The Uniqueness of this Program

While other CISV programs involve interaction with many different cultures, the interchange is primarily a bi-lateral program. The focus differs from our other programs in that participants are directly immersed into family life rather than in a camp setting. It is designed for older children who are ready to begin exploring cross-cultural communication in a community environment. Total cultural immersion allows participants to gain new insight into human likeness and interdependence in an increasingly global society. In addition, interchange provides the greatest opportunity to share the lessons that CISV has to offer because family and neighbourhoods are directly involved in an ongoing manner.

Aims of the Interchange

The aims of this program are:

• To encourage understanding of another culture by living in that culture as a family member;
• To incorporate these experiences into the daily lives of the participants and their families;
• To develop individual and group attitudes consistent with CISV philosophy through group activities.

Integration into CISV

The interchange is not an isolated part of CISV. From its nature, being family, group, and community oriented, this program interfaces very well with other CISV components, for example:

Delegates are or will become members of the Junior Branch;

Families and leaders become members of the local chapter;

The membership has an opportunity to help plan and participate in local activities.