CIPUSA's Short Term Exchange Programs (STEP) connect professionals from around the world to communities in the United States for high-level, short-term professional exchanges. Past program themes have included: social work and law as well as an English immersion program. STEP was designed by the Council of International Programs USA to address the current needs of CIPUSA’s applicants and participants. CIPUSA recognizes the challenges its participants face are global challenges that communities around the world, including communities in the U.S., struggle with. Working towards solutions to these challenges together, sharing knowledge, ideas, and experiences on a community level has the potential to create real and sustainable progress.
Expected Program Outcomes
-
To understand similarities and difference between home country and U.S. practices
-
Sharing professional practices to incorporate best practices
-
An appreciation of cultural differences between home country and the United States
-
Understanding how Non Government Organizations (NGO’s) function in the United States.
Program Content
The program will focus on observational and educational training, consisting of a series of seminars and workshops facilitated by local professionals and professors with expertise and experience in the group’s training field. Some educational training will involve site visits to local organizations whose work is relevant to the group’s training field. For example a program in Social Work would include visits to:
-
health departments
-
elder care facilities
-
community resource centers
-
rehabilitation centers
-
jails & juvenile detention facilities
-
social services for children & youth
-
various NGO’s
Site visits and training are typically customized to fit the needs and desires of the group. All CIPUSA programs include opportunities to take part in cultural activities. Activities include visits to museums, sporting events, theater, festivals etc. Some activities may be at the group’s cost however CIPUSA does seek out cultural opportunities that are free of charge.
As a participant of this program you will receive:
-
Airport pick-up and drop-off.
-
An orientation to the U.S. and a tour of the city.
-
A well-designed program in the field of social work that provides you opportunities to learn through site visits, networking opportunities, hands-on experiences, and educational lectures in the field of social work.
-
Planned cultural visits to local museums, city landmarks, and other tourist destinations.
-
Arranged living through home hospitality host living.
-
A chance to interact and dialogue with your U.S. counterparts both professionally and informally.
-
An opportunity for you to share your country’s customs and history through interacting with community members.
-
Free time to participate in leisure activities.
-
A final evaluation.
-
Certificate at the end of program.
-
A once in a lifetime opportunity.
Living Accommodations
Every group will stay with selected host families with an interest in international affairs. The affiliate officewill also provide the group with transportation during their stay. Transportation may include public transportation (bus, subway) depending on the city.
Host family living will be provided during the program. Each participant will have his/her own bedroom, a shared bathroom and will be provided breakfast and dinner. Lunch will be during the program on business days and participants will be expected to pay for their own lunch. During the program, participants will be part of a family and encouraged to participate in family activities.
Custom Programs
CIP USA is always looking for new program ideas and new types of partnerships that facilitate professional cross-cultural exchange and fulfill CIPUSA’s mission: to promote international understanding among global communities through professional development and cross-cultural exchange. CIPUSA designs custom programs for organizations interested in bringing individuals or groups of professionals for training in one of CIPUSA’s designated training fields. CIPUSA will work with organizations to ensure that their training needs are met in an efficient and supportive manner.
If you have ideas for how you would like your group to participate in a customized group program please contact CIPUSA at info@cipusa.org