Long distance exchanges should be planned well in advance – at least 18 months should be allowed for the various stages of preparation.

Think carefully about
· the target group of young people involved and their views and ideas
· the objectives of the exchange and what young people will learn
· how the young people and leaders will work together
· how you will identify and work with your overseas partner
· the likely approximate costs

Take advice form CYEC and others who have experienced exchanges. Finally before proceeding too far check out that you have the backing of the appropriate authority (e.g. local authority, management committee, school).

Once you have the green light there is much work for you and the team to tackle:

1. Administration and travel
2. Programme
3. Fundraising
4. Communication and publicity
5. Learning about our partners
6. Learning about ourselves

Remember there are publications, resources and training courses you can access from CYEC.

APPLYING FOR A GRANT FROM CYEC

Each autumn CYEC invites applications for exchange grants for the following financial year. Detailed guidelines for funding and grant criteria are revised annually.

Priority is given to:

exchanges with Africa, Asia and the Caribbean
participants in the 15 -25 age range
exchanges involving young people who would not normally have such opportunities
projects with evidence of real youth ownership and participation in planning
programmes of joint activities with partner groups (not tours)
exchange groups with 5 -15 members, including leaders
exchange programmes of 3 weeks duration

Grants are given for group outward visits (25% - 40% of return travel costs) and group incoming visits (up to 40% of costs). CYEC also considers advance planning grants (75% of airfare for one applicant or 50% of airfare for two applicants).

If you think you may wish to apply or would like to receive details click the contact us button on the home page and request the guidelines for funding leaflet. If you would like to receive a comprehensive starter and registration pack, including grant application forms, please send an A4 self addressed envelope with 3 first class stamps :

CYEC, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, London SW4 7NQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you fund organisations in other countries?
As our funds are mainly from UK sources we cannot usually give grants to organisations in overseas countries. However we do help fund UK organisations hosting partners from overseas and this can include a contribution to international travel costs (as well as a hosting grant) if some of these costs are being met by the UK partner.

Do you fund individuals - particularly students wishing to volunteer or study overseas or in the UK? CYEC works directly with local UK groups of young people helping them plan, finance and undertake exchange visits with partner organisations in Commonwealth countries. Our remit is solely for this purpose, and, regrettably, CYEC cannot sponsor individuals’ studies.
There are other organisations who provide opportunities for individuals to volunteer or participate in gap year programmes.
The British Council website has details of UK scholarship programmes at www.britishcouncil.org

Who can we talk to if we would like to participate in a similar exchange with a non – Commonwealth country? You can contact Connect Youth at the British Council at: