Location: Seoul, South Korea
Cost: $4,800 + airfare
Age Rule
Participants must have been born between Sept. 1, 2013, and Aug. 31, 2014.
How does it work?
Village is a unique 3- or 4-week international camp that was the original CISV flagship program. Delegates to this multilingual and multicultural experience participate in a mix of educational, cultural and sporting activities, which emphasize cooperative global and intercultural living. Delegations come from 10 to 12 countries and work together. Each delegation comprises four kids (two girls, two boys) and an adult leader (age 21+).
Their mission: to share their culture while learning about those of the other delegations present in the Village. In addition to the delegations of 11-year olds and their leaders, each Village has four to six Junior Counselors who act as liaisons between the youth and adults in the Village, and four to six Host Staff members who help facilitate and administer the program.
Just as in many camps available to young people today, Village offers a mixture of camp activities such as arts, crafts, sports, singing, and dancing. But a few aspects set our program apart from typical overnight camps:
- Global Perspective and Cultural Exchange: CISV’s Village program is all about fostering international understanding and cultural exchange. Villages bring together youth from all over the world, and participants have the incredible opportunity to live, learn, and grow alongside peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This global perspective not only enriches the camp experience but also promotes tolerance, open-mindedness, and a broader understanding of the world.
- Experiential Learning: In addition to the fun and camaraderie of a traditional camp, a Village program offers unique theme-based activities that may focus on issues related to sustainability, human rights, or leadership. Campers engage in “debriefs” (post-activity discussions), gaining a deeper understanding of global issues and developing valuable life skills. This intellectual and experiential aspect sets CISV’s Village program apart and helps campers become more informed and responsible global citizens.
- Long-Lasting Friendships and Global Network: While many overnight camps create memorable summer experiences, a CISV Village offers something truly special – the opportunity to build international friendships that can last a lifetime. Campers and staff members become part of a vast global network of like-minded individuals who share a commitment to peace, understanding, and cooperation. These connections go beyond the camp experience, providing a valuable support system and a unique perspective on the world.
If you’re seeking a camp experience that goes beyond the ordinary and empowers young people to become informed, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world, then CISV’s Village program is the perfect choice for you. Join us for a summer of cultural exchange, personal growth, and international understanding!
What can I expect to get out of participating
Children in one of our Village delegations will represent the New York chapter and the United States at the program. They will become close friends with other children, and in the process they learn that the similarities between us far outweigh our differences. It is not unusual to see children who have had the Village experience later as young adults make life decisions directly related to their experience in the Village, and many of the friendships made during Village last a lifetime.
What can my parents expect on my return home
Parents of Villagers should expect their children to return home with an improved understanding of world geography and culture. They should also expect a desire on the part of their children to host their new friends as well as travel to other countries to visit them. Children returning from a Village may be more independent and mature.
CISV is an all-volunteer organization, so parents may be asked to give time in their own local Chapter to help children coming to a local Village have the same experience as their own had when they traveled. They may be asked to host or lead delegations, serve on selection committees, fundraise, etc.
Quality of staff training
Host Staff members and Adult Leaders must complete an application process (including background checks) and an internationally mandated training course before serving in a Village. The training materials are constantly being revised and updated to provide the necessary tools and skills to serve in this unique camp situation.
Traveling the world
It’s important to note that, no matter what the location of the Village program, the actual experience will be the same. The Village participants spend the majority of their time at the Village site (which might be a school, college, or camp facility), just like they would at a domestic summer camp. However, the participants do have several very exciting opportunities to explore their camp’s host country. The Village staff arranges a few sightseeing excursions into the local community as well as a shopping day where the kids can purchase souvenirs to take home to their families, if they wish.