The goal of CIF is to promote international understanding and world peace through training and exchange of experience for professionals in human services.
CIF in Finland is registered Non-Governmental Organization since 1964 founded by Cleveland International Program (CIP) alumni. It has organized exchange program since 1986 in cooperation with other National Branches (NB) of Council of International Fellowship (CIF), CIPUSA and Contact Persons (CP) in countries withour a NB.
The Council of International Programs (C.I.P.) was originally The Cleveland International Program - now CIPUSA - and founded in the U.S.A. in 1956 by Henry B. Ollendorff. The program is the largest multinational specialist program of its kind hosting each year 200 or so participants from each part of the globe.
Finnish social workers and social field related professionals have been participating in the CIP programs since 1957 (PDF).
International Professional Exchange Program (IPEP)
Thank you for your interest in our IPEP
Our main objectives are
- to increase professional knowledge in the field of human services (in particular social work) by learning from introduction lectures, agency visits and dialogue with colleagues and other participants.
- to increase the understanding of the world’s diverse cultures through contact among the participants themselves and so contribute to promote world peace.
The CIF Finland three weeks long yearly program takes place in May including lectures in the University of Helsinki and visits to agencies and services in Helsinki area. About a week long individual placement according participants own wishes takes participants in another city in Finland.
More about our next IPEP25 : CIF IPEP 2025
Host families
Living with host families (video) is THE part of the program in its essence. It is a good way of learning about every day life in the country. Participant usually stays in two families in Helsinki/Espoo/Vantaa region and one family in another city of field placement in Lappeenranta, Tammisaari/Ekenäs, Turku, Oulu, Rovaniemi or Hamina. The host families provide a private bedroom, breakfast and evening meals on weekdays and all meals on weekends. During the introduction and evaluation of the program the participants will stay together and share rooms.
CIF Finland pays the travel costs connected to the program – the international travel and travel insurance costs are to be paid by the participant.
Download the application form here.
Your experience will be unique and unforgettable.
Questions?
For further details and questions do not hesitate to send us email at info(at)ciffinland.org
