ICYE UK is a member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE)  Federation,  and an association of independent youth organisations which provide youth mobility, intercultural learning and international voluntary service opportunities. Established in 1949 the Federation was initially known as the “International Christian Youth Exchange”, and was designed to restore trust and peace between Germany and the USA after the horrors of World War two. Today, ICYE continues to help young people break down prejudices and develop intercultural understanding and competence for a more just and peaceful world.

​

Since its inception, the Federation has provided placements for over 30,000 volunteers and is now a leader in international youth exchange and volunteering programmes with more than 60 years’ experience of promoting young peoples’ active and global citizenship.

​​

With a head office in Berlin, the Federation now sends over 1200 volunteers per year to support over 800 projects in 40 member countries.

​

Our unique approach to international volunteering was commended on 15th September 1987, when, in recognition of 'a significant contribution to the programme and objectives of the International Year of Peace, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly', the UN Secretary-General, Javier Perez de Cuellar, designated ICYE as a Peace Messenger.

​

The ICYE Federation is also affiliated to and works with the support of the following international organisations:

• UN-Economic and Social Council – ECOSOC (Consultative Status)

• United Nations Department of Public Information – DPI-NGO Committee

• UNESCO – NGO official partner of UNESCO (Consultative Status)

• UNESCO – NGOs Liaison Committee

• World Council of Churches (working relations as international ecumenical organisation)

• European Commission, Directorate General Educate and Culture

• Coordinating Committee of International Voluntary Service (CCIVS)