This week, we welcome the Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) as a partner of CAUSINDY and are excited to share the word of a long standing partner with a shared mission.

AIYEP is an initiative of the Australia-Indonesia Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Canberra. The program aims to provide wider opportunities for young people from Indonesia and Australia to appreciate the culture, development and way of life of each other’s country. AIYEP builds groups of young and potentially influential people in both Australia and Indonesia who have knowledge and personal experience of the two countries and who develop close and enduring links with each other.

The program, in its 33rd year of operation, gives 18 Australians aged between 21 and 25 the opportunity to truly experience life in Indonesia. Participants undertake work placements and internships, cultural performances and visits to local schools and communities, all while living with local host families. Participants will also undertake a development project in a rural and remote village in Indonesia, working with and helping local communities on business and entrepreneurship, youth and education, and women’s empowerment activities.

Applications are currently being sought for this year’s program from exceptional young people and are open until 3pm AEST Thursday 28 August 2014.