AUS

AUS is an international non-profit youth organisation that promotes youth mobility, intercultural learning and international voluntary service. AUS is run by homecoming volunteers and the office has one part-time staff member and most of the time one ESC volunteer. AUS is a member of The National Youth Council of Iceland and of The International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, which has national offices in over 40 countries. Founded in 1949, ICYE was designed to develop trust between people in Germany and the USA after the second World War. Ever since, ICYE has been giving young people the opportunity to experience new cultures and ways of life. AUS’s mission is to: - Provide challenging intercultural learning experiences for young people, - Offer non-formal education opportunities for youth, - Promote social and personal development through international volunteer programmes, - Promote intercultural understanding, equality of opportunity, tolerance and peace among the people of the world, - Promote the well-being and social inclusion of young people, many of whom face unemployment and/or other economic, social, and geographical obstacles, thus have limited opportunities to strengthen their professional and personal skills We have been working towards this goal for many years by enabling youngsters from abroad to volunteer their time and effort at various non-profit, humanitarian organizations in Iceland, whose ideologies and mission statements are all aligned with our mission, but also by sending young Icelanders abroad to experience different cultures, getting out of their comfort zone and volunteering at similar, like-minded organizations. Target groups/Participants: Anybody aged 17-30 or older can apply to become a volunteer for AUS or go abroad as a volunteer. No prior experience is required; we welcome people of all backgrounds. All AUS is looking for is energy, enthusiasm, and motivation to face the challenge of being confronted with something new as well as the eagerness to learn more about oneself and the world one lives in. It is very important for AUS that during the exchange program participants are cared for as individuals who have unique needs, hopes and fears. They are constantly supported as they are getting involved in voluntary service and other educational activities.