“CISV means learning about different cultures and making friends from all other the world.”

“CISV has encouraged me to be more patient, fostered critical thinking skills, and has given me hope that change is possible.”

The best part was meeting people. One of my best memories was the last night of the youth meeting. I learned about sustainable development goals. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations that it was worth it.

“CISV is a safe space for dialogue, disagreements and lots of hugs.”

“I learned about leadership and about myself and to be myself at Step-Up camp. I was surprised by how close the staff and leaders were with the delegates. I wish I could share the whole experience with everybody.”

My understanding of the world was affected by participating in a CISV Village because I realized that even though we come from totally different places we are all human. Though we are all different, we can be friends. An activity during Village that taught me a lot was rich & poor day. This had a View Full →

“How much potential I have started to see in myself by learning through others.”

The most important thing that I learned about myself is that I am very strong and independent. I can do things now that I did not think I could do. I believe in myself a lot. The best part was meeting people from around the world. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations to make View Full →

CISV has impacted every facet of my life in the sense of making new friends, having new experiences, traveling the world and learning to be a leader. It has shaped me as a person.

“CISV means to me that being family isn’t just blood.”

I wish I could share how much Interchange affected me. My partner and I became the best of friends and shared great memories together. The people in the other delegation were really fun to get along with. I learned that every culture is different and when in Interchange you have to go with the flow. View Full →

“The best part was getting to know my interchange partner and the other delegation. My partner and I got along really well. We connected even though I am shy. My parents had a lot of fun hosting our interchange partner. They really liked her. One of the hardest parts was saying goodbye.”

“We do a lot of situation games, which are my favorite. They put you in uncomfortable situations, where people aren’t treated the same. It is that way in the world and it makes you more aware.”

“I learned to be peaceful, to solve quarrels without violence, create win-win situations and not to judge people.”

“CISV has helped me realize the importance of listening and being quiet at times when that may not be my first instinct.”

“I learned a lot about walking in other people’s shoes and world conflicts. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations that they should enjoy every minute of camp.”

“I participate in important things I would never have thought of doing before and also I feel much more confident about myself and my place in the world.”

“The best memory from my interchange was hanging out as a group. My partner and I had a lot of fun together and I was disappointed when we had to leave Norway.”

The best part was meeting and getting to know everyone. I was disappointed by how fast the time went. The other people in my delegation were amazing. I love them all. I learned better leadership skills and how to learn to communicate with the non-fluent English speakers. I’d like to tell future CISV delegations to View Full →

“Allowing every individual person in a group to have a voice, no matter their opinion, age, etc.”

“CISV has made me more understanding. It has given me the ability to open my mind and the minds of those around me.”

“My opinion does matter and it can make a difference. … to express what I think because it can make a big impact.”

“My partner and I are best friends. The other people in my delegation were awesome. Our delegations got along so well. When I talk about my CISV experience with my American friends think I actually have a special life.”

“CISV is an interactive and fun way to learn about things that I may not have ever subconsciously thought about before. The experience is very important to me.”

“CISV has given me the chance to evolve into the person I am today.”

“It was a really fun experience. I learned a lot about cooperating with others and how to act in other cultures.”

“It takes courage to stand up and takes even more to sit down and listen.”

I learned a lot about different cultures. One of my best memories is meeting everyone at Village.

I was surprised by the variety of Italy. The people in my delegation were fun to be around. The people in the Italian delegation were also very fun and energetic. I learned that you can be close to anyone even if you don’t speak the same language. My parents loved having a guest. My partner View Full →

“CISV is a way to learn new things and new ideas that I have never heard before. It is also a place where I can express myself fully. “

“CISV makes me believe that a better world is possible and because we’re actually working for it.”  

“CISV has let me travel the world and learn about others.”

“CISV has become such a huge part of my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the friends I’ve make or experiences I’ve enjoyed.”

“CISV means opening your mind. It means making yourself award, learning and making friends.”