CIF Australia - Council of International Fellowship

Programmes

CIF programme is a unique opportunity for social workers to travel to a different country, while viewing it through a social work perspective. It provides experiences of local family life, agency visits or placements, and interaction with social workers from around the world. CIF Exchange Programmes offer participants a way to further their professional development in an international context. There is time to learn, reflect on practice, form friendships and experience difference.

Programme Aims

International exchange programmes are cultural, educational and professional exchange opportunities. They may vary in duration and number of participants. The programmes combine practical and theoretical information about the social and cultural environments of the country. Cross-cultural exchange is emphasized, not only between participants and the host countries, but also between participants themselves as they represent many different countries and diverse cultures.

Introduction in the first few days when the participants stay together to get to know each other. Cross cultural sharing of information within the group in the form of informal presentations of each participant's country and social work practice is included.
Orientation in the following week provides a theoretical framework through seminars, study tours and discussions to understanding the historical, social, political and cultural context of the host country, including a historical perspective in relation to indigenous culture and ethnicity. Social work and social service systems are focused.
Fieldwork experience and visits to social service agencies on an observation basis, and according to the interests expressed by the participants
Evaluation when participants rejoin one another and housed together to share and evaluate their experiences. A farewell party completes the program.

From Outside of Australia

Invitation to 2010 programme: 7 October to 4 November in Adelaide

Registration fee: AU$400.00

Application to reach CIF Australia before 31 March, 2010

We invite social workers and related human service professionals from all over the world to participate. We will host 4-6 participants. The programme is coordinated and staffed by volunteers who have been former participants in CIF programmes with the support of CIF friends.

Conditions of participation:

Accommodation, meals and local transport are provided for the duration of the exchange program. During the introduction and evaluation phases of the programme, participants will be housed together in hostel accommodation.

For the orientation and fieldwork periods, a local family will host each participant. Living with host families is a core part of the CIF experience – it gives participants an opportunity to share in local customs and family life, to gain a different perspective of daily life in the host country, and to form relationships with local social workers. Host families provide a room and all meals.

Participant is responsible for:

her/ his own travel costs to and from Australia
a registration fee to be paid once acceptance is acknowledged
full travel insurance coverage including third party liability and health. Verification from the insurer must be presented prior to the commencement of the program
visa application costs.
living expenses which are not related to participation in the actual program. For example, expenses such as toiletries, gifts, souvenirs, personal travel etc., and all expenses before and after the duration of the program.
her or his own long distance communication costs as in telephone calls and internet use.
Participation requires full time involvement. Therefore family members or friends visit during the duration of the program is unaccepted. CIF will not be responsible for visiting friends or family members.

How to Apply (International Applicants)

Applicant Requirements:

You must:

be a member of your CIF National Branch, if there is one, when the programme starts
be professionally qualified as a social worker or in other social work related professions
be employed as a social worker or other social work related professions
be involved in direct service with clients
have a minimum of three years professional experience
understand and speak English fluently

To apply to CIF Australia program

If you live in another country, simply follow the instructions below. Make sure to indicate Australia at the top of the form for ‘Country of choice”:

Step 1: Obtain information and application forms from your national branch or download your application form.

Step 2: Complete 2 copies of the application

Step 3: Sign both copies

Step 4: Include 4 passport photographs

Step 5: Send your application to your local National Branch if you live in: (addresses can be found at the CIF International website)

NOTE: if you send your completed application directly to CIF Australia, it will be sent back to your national branch, which may delay the process. Contact your national branch well before your intended exchange, as the branch will have an earlier deadline.

Step 6: If there is no national branch in your country, send your completed application (2 copies) to CIF Australia by the deadline 31 March 2010:

P O Box 6305

Halifax Street SA 5000
Australia

Final Selection:

CIF Australia makes the final selection of participants and placements. All applicants will be notified of the decision a month after the deadline 1 March.

Participants who have been accepted into the program will be sent a letter of acceptance and advice on visas and travel information. If you would like to know more about visa for entering Australia, visit the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.

(return to top)

From Inside of Australia

A typical exchange offers a comprehensive programme including an introduction, orientation to life and social work practices in the countries, fieldwork experiences, and evaluation. It is a great opportunity for personal and professional development. If you are interested in travelling to another country to experience, please check current International CIF programmes details on CIF International website and the selected country’s website for details of the programme.

Participant is responsible for:

her/his own travel costs to and from the exchange country
a registration fee for some countries
full travel insurance coverage including third party liability and health. Verification from the insurer must be presented prior to the commencement of the program
visa application costs.
living expenses which are not related to participation in the actual program. For example, expenses such as toiletries, gifts, souvenirs, personal travel etc., and all expenses before and after the duration of the program.
her or his own long distance communication costs as in telephone calls and internet use
participation as full time involvement. Therefore family members or friends visit during the duration of the program is unaccepted. CIF will not be responsible for visiting friends or family members.

How to Apply (Australian Applicants)

Applicant Requirements:

You must:

be a CIF Australia member when the programme starts
be professionally qualifies as a social worker or in other social work related professions
be employed as a social worker or other social work related professions
be involved in direct service with clients
have a minimum of 3 years professional experience
understand and speak English fluently

If you live in Australia and are interested in applying to a selected country around the world simply follow the instructions below. Make sure to indicate the 'Country of choice’ clearly at the top of the form for:

Step 1: Download your application form.

Step 2: Complete 2 copies of the application.

Step 3: Sign both copies.

Step 4: Include 4 passport photographs.

Step 5: Post applications to CIF Australia, at least two months before the deadline for the host country:

CIF Australia

P O Box 6305

Halifax Street SA 5000
Australia

Step 6: CIF Australia will contact you for an interview for recommendation to the host country.

(return to top)


Home \| Programmes \| Alumni \| About Us \| Support

	programmes International Applicants Australian Applicants International Branches CIF Programmes Programmes CIF programme is a unique opportunity for social workers to travel to a different country, while viewing it through a social work perspective. It provides experiences of local family life, agency visits or placements, and interaction with social workers from around the world. CIF Exchange Programmes offer participants a way to further their professional development in an international context. There is time to learn, reflect on practice, form friendships and experience difference. Programme Aims International exchange programmes are cultural, educational and professional exchange opportunities. They may vary in duration and number of participants. The programmes combine practical and theoretical information about the social and cultural environments of the country. Cross-cultural exchange is emphasized, not only between participants and the host countries, but also between participants themselves as they represent many different countries and diverse cultures. Introduction in the first few days when the participants stay together to get to know each other. Cross cultural sharing of information within the group in the form of informal presentations of each participant's country and social work practice is included. Orientation in the following week provides a theoretical framework through seminars, study tours and discussions to understanding the historical, social, political and cultural context of the host country, including a historical perspective in relation to indigenous culture and ethnicity. Social work and social service systems are focused. Fieldwork experience and visits to social service agencies on an observation basis, and according to the interests expressed by the participants Evaluation when participants rejoin one another and housed together to share and evaluate their experiences. A farewell party completes the program. From Outside of Australia Invitation to 2010 programme: 7 October to 4 November in Adelaide Registration fee: AU$400.00 Application to reach CIF Australia before 31 March, 2010 We invite social workers and related human service professionals from all over the world to participate. We will host 4-6 participants. The programme is coordinated and staffed by volunteers who have been former participants in CIF programmes with the support of CIF friends. Conditions of participation: Accommodation, meals and local transport are provided for the duration of the exchange program. During the introduction and evaluation phases of the programme, participants will be housed together in hostel accommodation. For the orientation and fieldwork periods, a local family will host each participant. Living with host families is a core part of the CIF experience – it gives participants an opportunity to share in local customs and family life, to gain a different perspective of daily life in the host country, and to form relationships with local social workers. Host families provide a room and all meals. Participant is responsible for: her/ his own travel costs to and from Australia a registration fee to be paid once acceptance is acknowledged full travel insurance coverage including third party liability and health. Verification from the insurer must be presented prior to the commencement of the program visa application costs. living expenses which are not related to participation in the actual program. For example, expenses such as toiletries, gifts, souvenirs, personal travel etc., and all expenses before and after the duration of the program. her or his own long distance communication costs as in telephone calls and internet use. Participation requires full time involvement. Therefore family members or friends visit during the duration of the program is unaccepted. CIF will not be responsible for visiting friends or family members. How to Apply (International Applicants) *Applicant Requirements:* You must: be a member of your CIF National Branch, if there is one, when the programme starts be professionally qualified as a social worker or in other social work related professions be employed as a social worker or other social work related professions be involved in direct service with clients have a minimum of three years professional experience understand and speak English fluently To apply to CIF Australia program If you live in another country, simply follow the instructions below. Make sure to indicate Australia at the top of the form for ‘Country of choice”: Step 1: Obtain information and application forms from your national branch or download your application form. Step 2: Complete 2 copies of the application Step 3: Sign both copies Step 4: Include 4 passport photographs Step 5: Send your application to your local National Branch if you live in: (addresses can be found at the CIF International website) NOTE: if you send your completed application directly to CIF Australia, it will be sent back to your national branch, which may delay the process. Contact your national branch well before your intended exchange, as the branch will have an earlier deadline. Step 6: If there is no national branch in your country, send your completed application (2 copies) to CIF Australia by the deadline 31 March 2010: P O Box 6305 Halifax Street SA 5000 Australia *Final Selection:* CIF Australia makes the final selection of participants and placements. All applicants will be notified of the decision a month after the deadline 1 March. Participants who have been accepted into the program will be sent a letter of acceptance and advice on visas and travel information. If you would like to know more about visa for entering Australia, visit the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. (return to top) From Inside of Australia A typical exchange offers a comprehensive programme including an introduction, orientation to life and social work practices in the countries, fieldwork experiences, and evaluation. It is a great opportunity for personal and professional development. If you are interested in travelling to another country to experience, please check current International CIF programmes details on CIF International website and the selected country’s website for details of the programme. *Participant is responsible for:* her/his own travel costs to and from the exchange country a registration fee for some countries full travel insurance coverage including third party liability and health. Verification from the insurer must be presented prior to the commencement of the program visa application costs. living expenses which are not related to participation in the actual program. For example, expenses such as toiletries, gifts, souvenirs, personal travel etc., and all expenses before and after the duration of the program. her or his own long distance communication costs as in telephone calls and internet use participation as full time involvement. Therefore family members or friends visit during the duration of the program is unaccepted. CIF will not be responsible for visiting friends or family members. How to Apply (Australian Applicants) Applicant Requirements: You must: be a CIF Australia member when the programme starts be professionally qualifies as a social worker or in other social work related professions be employed as a social worker or other social work related professions be involved in direct service with clients have a minimum of 3 years professional experience understand and speak English fluently If you live in Australia and are interested in applying to a selected country around the world simply follow the instructions below. Make sure to indicate the 'Country of choice’ clearly at the top of the form for: Step 1: Download your application form. Step 2: Complete 2 copies of the application. Step 3: Sign both copies. Step 4: Include 4 passport photographs. Step 5: Post applications to CIF Australia, at least two months before the deadline for the host country: CIF Australia P O Box 6305 Halifax Street SA 5000 Australia Step 6: CIF Australia will contact you for an interview for recommendation to the host country. (return to top)


Email Us