Exchange programs are offered in a number of countries and still other countries are in the process of planning programs. Program structure is the same in all countries but the duration of the program varies from 4 weeks to 13 months. Some programs require the payment of a fee. CIF-Sweden has been organizing program for foreign social workers and youth leaders since 1978. For more information see "Swedish Program" or "Overview".
Who is
Eligible?
A CIF-participant (whether
in Sweden or abroad) must:
· be professionally qualified and
employed as a social worker, youth leader, special educator
or other social work related professions;
· be involved in direct service with
clients and have a minimum of 3 years professional experience;
· understand and speak English fluently
(some programs require a degree of fluency in the local language
as well).
Expectations
and reality
To ensure that the expectations
of the participants do not exceed the realities of the country's
social work scene and the natural limitations of each program,
the following information is provided:
· The participant must pay his or her own
way to and from the county in question.
· The participant must have full travel
insurance coverage including third part liability.
· CIF will not be responsible for living
expenses which are not related to participation in the actual
program. This means that the participant will need money for his
or her own expenses such as gifts, personal travel etc., and for
all expenses before and after.
· Participation is a full time involvement.
Therefore, the participant should not allow family members or
friends to visit during the duration of the program. CIF can not
take responsibility for visiting friends or family members.
· The participant is not permitted to
work while participating in the CIF program.
· Language barriers may require that
field experience is limited to observation only.
· CIF recommends that the participant
becomes a member of his or her branch after returning home.