top of page

International Exchange 

International Exchange experiences are our way to provide individuals the step they need to be able to fulfill a global perspective strengthened leadership role within their communities. Not only do the candidates obtain enriched perspectives and make strategic connections across the globe, they more importantly awaken an inner drive, build self-confidence and become initiators, change makers and influencers.
Scroll down for International Exchange Programs:
  • Young Leaders of the America's Initiative (YLAI)
  • Indian Technical & Economical Cooperation (ITEC)
  • Hubert H. Humphrey Program (H.H.H. Program)
  • Know India Program (KIP)
  • International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
  • FIRST Global Challenge (FGC) 
  • YLAI Reverse Exchange (YLAI - Rev.Ex) 
Our guidance with applications is based on our own succes stories. We have had successful applicants in all the programs mentioned below.
The YLAI Professional Fellows program is a 5-week program for entrepreneurs, fully funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
 
YLAI brings 250 promising leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean each year to the United States to expand their leadership and entrepreneurial skills and network through skills-building workshops and opportunities to learn from and exchange with U.S. counterparts.
 
This program is open to young entrepreneurs 25-35 years of age, selected for participation via a competitive application process.
 
Click on the YLAI link to read more.
ITEC is the flagship programme of the Indian Government's capacity building effort. It is fully funded by the Government of India.
 
It is for officials in Government, Public and Private Sectors, Universities, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, etc. with adequate work experience. Age between 25 to 45 years. Academic qualifications may apply for some courses. Working knowledge of English is required. 
 
Decision regarding acceptance of applications/ nominations rests solely with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Applications should reach the Embassy of India through Bureau Onderwijs en Studiefaciliteiten van het Ministerie van Onderwijs, Wetenschap en Cultuur, preferably 3 months before the commencement of the Course. How to apply:  https://www.itecgoi.in/upcoming_courses
The opportunities are available to Surinamese citizens. The
Chinese government cover the costs for round trip airfare, accommodation, meals and transport in China. 
 
More information email Bureau Onderwijsinformatie en Studiefaciliteiteiten at bosbeurzen@yahoo.com or secretariaat.directeur@education.gov.sr
 

Or visit them at Dr. S. Kafiluddistraat 117-123
Paramaribo, Suriname

Or call:  530289 / 498129 / 473478 / 476005 / 474255
 
Link to 2024: to be added soon.
 
The Humphrey Fellowship Program is for experienced professionals interested in strengthening their leadership skills through a mutual exchange of knowledge and understanding about issues of common concern in the U.S. and Fellows’ home countries. It is fully funded by the U.S government.
 
The Fellowship offers valuable opportunities for professional development through selected university courses, attending conferences, networking, and practical work experiences. During the year, Fellows pursue both their individual program goals and work closely with their Humphrey colleagues in workshops and seminars. 
​

Eligibility: An undergraduate (first university or Bachelor's) degree;  A minimum of five years of full-time, professional experience; Demonstrated leadership qualities.

  • ​

The Know India Programme is an engagement programme offered through the Indian government as a three-week orientation programme for Diaspora youth of Indian origin. The participant pays 10% of the roundtrip airfare while the Indian government covers everything else.
 
It aims to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, science & technology, communication & information Technology, culture.
 
KIP provide a unique forum for students & young professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share their views, expectations & experiences and to develop closer bonds with the contemporary India.

​​

Eligibility: Be between the ages of 18-30 years. Able to speak in English. Proof of Indian Origin (CBB document)
 

Link: https://www.kip.gov.in/home/guidelines

 

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. The majority of IVLP exchanges include visits to four U.S. communities over three weeks, although projects vary based on themes, Embassy requests and other factors. Professional meetings reflect the participants’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States.
 
Each year nearly 5,000 exchange participants come to the U.S. on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). More than 200,000 International Visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP.

​​

Eligibility: There is no application for IVLP. Participants are nominated and selected annually around the world.

YHS may nominate YHS project volunteers to the authorized entity in Suriname and guide with applications based on our own criteria.

 

Link: https://eca.state.gov/ivlp/about-ivlp 

bottom of page