The association is the Israeli branch of an international organization with a network of 31 branches and 14 contact persons around the world. The Israeli branch began its organized activity in 1991 and has been registered in Israel as a non-profit organization since 2013.
The association promotes fellowship, understanding, and cooperation between peoples and cultures through professional and multicultural learning. Its activities are carried out through unique exchange training programs, hosting participants in members’ homes, and participation in the organization’s international conferences.

Activities of the Association
The association promotes the professional training of social workers, psychologists, and other professionals in the social and behavioral sciences engaged in education and treatment. This is done by encouraging participation in international training programs within the framework of the CIF (Council of International Fellowship) and CIPUSA (Council of International Programs).
Since 1997, the association has hosted professional training programs in Israel and conducts an annual exchange training program for professionals from abroad (except for 2020–2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). In parallel, it assists Israeli professionals in participating in international training programs and conferences within the organization.
About the International Organizations

CIF – Council of International Fellowship
An international umbrella organization whose members volunteer to promote professionals in the social and behavioral sciences. The organization has a long-standing history of promoting international fellowship through professional and cultural development. Every member of the international network has participated in an exchange training program abroad to some extent.

CIPUSA – Council of International Programs
The parent organization, founded in 1956, aims to build a professional network and provide international exchange training programs for professionals. Since its establishment, approximately 15,000 professionals from 147 countries have participated in its programs across various fields (www.cipusa.org).

Historical Background
The origins of CIF lie in CIPUSA. The founder of the organization was Dr. Henry B. Ollendorff, who was forced to leave Nazi Germany in 1938 and immigrated to the United States, where he studied and worked in social work.
Dr. Ollendorff’s vision was to create meetings between youth leaders and social workers from around the world within the framework of professional and cultural international training programs, in order to prevent the recurrence of the atrocities of World War II. The program, which began in Cleveland, Ohio, attracted professionals from around the world seeking training in diverse professional fields. Participants who returned to their home countries with new insights and experiences decided to establish an international organization (CIF), which was registered in Bonn, Germany in 1960.

Purpose of the Association
The purpose of the association is to contribute to the development of therapeutic and educational approaches and methods, as well as solutions to social problems, thereby promoting international peace and fellowship.

Objectives of the Association:
To enable professionals from different countries and cultures to share knowledge and experience for mutual learning.
To expose international professionals to Israel’s cultural and social structure, professional services, and cultural diversity.
To enable Israeli professionals to participate in professional and cultural training programs in member countries of the organization.

Goals of Exchange Training Programs for International Professionals in Israel:
Familiarization with professional work in the fields of welfare, education, society, and culture.
Understanding Israel’s social and cultural structure as an immigration-absorbing society.
Creating goodwill ambassadors for Israel around the world after participating in the program in Israel.
Exposure to diverse ways of life and communities in Israel.
Contribution of Partner Organizations:

Organizations working in cooperation with the association contribute to the advancement of Israeli professionals and to strengthening Israel’s professional and cultural standing in the world by:
Enhancing sensitivity to diversity
Promoting tolerance and patience between individuals
Strengthening professional identity
Encouraging mutual professional learning
Supporting cooperation and innovation development