• Indonesia Canada Youth Exchange Program or better known as ICYEP is a unique program that runs under the agreement between Ministry of Youth and Sport of Indonesia and Canadian’s NGO Canada World Youth (CWY). This exchange program was established in 1973. This is a unique and dynamic program for youth between 18-23 years old. This 6-month program is divided into 2 phases, and the length for each phase is 3 months. The first phase is located in Canada and the second phase is in Indonesia. During the program, the youths volunteer in community-driven development projects which encompasses several issues such as health, environment, gender equity etc.

    The differences between both countries has attracted many participants to experience many new things in their life. They learn new culture, norms, and values at their host families and communities; adapt with new climate and customs in both phase of the program; and learn to put themselves in the proper portion between counterpart, group, and communities – which is not an easy task.

    All little stories in this wonderful experience will leave a profound memory in the former participant’s mind. If you are looking for a life-altering new adventure, ICYEP welcomes you.

  • Special Characteristics of Indonesia Canada Youth Exchange Program

    Indonesia Canada Youth Exchange Program (ICYEP) focuses in raising awareness about the role of the youth in an effort to build a sustainable community development. In this case, the selected delegates are assigned to do volunteer and internship program including three months Canadian Phase and three months Indonesian Phase. Furthermore, the program also offers an opportunity for the delegates to live in the house-family in each country so that they will not only engage in each project but truly become the part of the community itself.

    Besides community-based activities, ICYEP also provides the chances to have cultural exchanges experiences. Here we introduce and share each unique songs, dances, stories, crafts, language as well as other cultural products. In this notion, it is indescribable to express how proud and excited we are to be the part of this amazing exchange. Moreover, this program also aims to create global learning activities shown by the Educational Activity Day (EAD) we do each week. During the EAD, each delegate learn about any issue happened in both countries covering any disciplinary such as economy, education, environment, health, gender, politic, culture, etc. Through the EAD, the delegates are expected to have better and deeper understanding about those themes. This understanding is then expected to broaden the delegates’ perspective as well as to improve the critical analysis. Of course, these rich experiences also improve our communication skill. Thus, we can see how ICYEP is such a compact, complete, and comprehensive exchange program which trains the selected delegates to respect others throughout each unforgettable activity done. Over all, Indonesia Canada Youth Exchange Program is all about youth and their capacity to create sustainable change.

  • Indonesia phase in Indonesia Canada Youth Exchange Program is focused more into community development projects which are initiated by participants from both countries. In order to uphold the sustainability of the projects, a MoU is signed by the stakeholders from both countries in every 4 years. The venues in which the Indonesia phase of ICYEP will be held each year is pre-determined in the MoU, ensuring a continuous supervision of the elapsed program within the period of the contract. New projects may be added as new initiatives by the participants, as long as this does not conflict the existing projects. The participants may learn to improve their managerial skill in project management, as well as enhancing communication skill while interpreting the needs from the local community.

    The change of expectation from the local community itself has proven to be a real challenge for the participants. Although the theme of the projects within the contract period must be kept consistent, the participants cannot completely ignore the demands from the local community. Finding a balance between fulfilling the community’s aspiration and being consistent with the main mission is the real art anyone would have to face in the community development project. Therefore, ICYEP is a program that encompasses all the elements in the community development within just the right duration.

  • ICYEP 2014

    Yeremia Hermawan

    Being able to be selected as one of the lucky delegates who can join in Indonesia Canada Youth Exchange Program 2014 (ICYEP) is an unforgettable experience that I have in my life as it opens to many amazing experiences I have never thought I can have before. The meeting with my mini-Indonesian family with each delegate in each province in Indonesia starts my journey in experiencing how amazing it is for us to be able to be bonded in unity although we are living in diversity. ICYEP also gives me opportunity to be the part of a global movement of youth leadership through various interesting activities which will be done in three months Canadian Phase and three months Indonesian Phase.

    It is inevitable to say that Canadian Phase in Old Masset, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia is such a complete and comprehensive experience for me. Haida Gwaii itself is a territory where one of the first native Canadian tribeslives – we call them the Haida people. This makes me feel so honored to be placed there; a land where society has such rich and beautiful cultures, a land that would makean amazing portrait. Here we can experience how HaidaGwaii society keeps and practicestheir tradition in the midst of this globalization era. Living in the house family is also an amazing experience as I could spend time sharing with the house family about any issue happened as well as cooking both Indonesian and Canadian food.This of course broaden my perspective, knowledge, and understanding about many things. Furthermore, to work in my awesome work placement – Chief Matthew School also became the best memory I have during the Canadian Phase as it was so fun to be able to work with the active and amazing students there. Here, I also learned some songs in Haida Language with the kids which really enriched my cultural experiences. In addition, I am so surprised as well on how curious and excited they are with the Saman Dance I and other delegate were performing there.

  • ICYEP 2013 & 2014