Affiliations
The Council of International Programs USA (CIPUSA) is a non-profit international exchange organization that brings well-qualified professionals to the United States for practical training experiences. CIPUSA provides programs for individuals and groups in social services, non-profit, business and public organizations. CIPUSA is a J-1 visa sponsoring organization designated by the US Department of State and offers training programs for 1-18 months.
International Networks
The Council of International Fellowship (CIF) consists of National Branches formed by alumni of SFIP and other CIPUSA affiliates, CIF Exchange Programs, and the International Study Program of the Federal Republic of Germany. All National Branches representative members of CIF have experienced an international program themselves. Over 30 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, North and South America and Oceania have established National Branches, and more than 20 branches have established professional training and cross-cultural exchange programs in their home countries.
Volunteers for Peace (VFP) Founded in 1982, VFP's mission is to promote International Voluntary Service as an effective means of intercultural education, service learning and community development. VFP offers placement in over 3000 projects in more than 100 countries each year.
German Child and Youth Welfare Association (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Kinder- und Jugendhilfe -AGJ) Founded in 1949, AGJ is an alliance of 100 non-profit and government agencies that advocate for the common interests of child welfare at the Federal level. AGJ is the legal entity of the National Coalition for the implementation of the UN – Child's Rights Convention in Germany. SFIP provides cross-cultural professional training in social work through the AGJ Scholarship Program.
Local Networks
Upwardly Global helps unemployed and underemployed refugees, asylees and legal immigrants find growth positions that match their education, skills and experience. The organization provides jobseeker services including: individualized career placement, job search skills workshops, a mentor in same career field, mock interview practice sessions, and assistance with foreign degree/credential evaluation and re-licensing. 450+ active volunteers serve as mentors, advisors and workshop trainers.
Home Stay Resources
Servas is a worldwide cooperative cultural exchange network established in 1948 and composed of member hosts and travelers working together to foster peace, goodwill and mutual respect.
CouchSurfing seeks to internationally network people and places, create educational exchanges, raise collective consciousness, spread tolerance and facilitate cultural understanding.
Featured Training Sites
SFIP has been priviliged to support these key agencies through our professional exchange programs.
non-profit Organizations
■ Amnesty International is a Nobel Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with over 1.8 million members worldwide.
■ The ARC of San Francisco is dedicated to serving, supporting and advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities.
■ California Autism Foundation provides lifetime support and training to people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
■ Coalition on Homeless initiates program and policy changes that support transitions out of poverty.
■ Edgewood Center for Children & Families is the oldest children's charity in western U.S. and it aims to strengthen children, youth, families, and their communities through service, training, advocacy, and research.
■ Family Service Agency of Marin provides a critical safety net of mental health services, substance abuse treatment, family education, crisis intervention, service to the elderly, multicultural outreach, and social services.
■ Independent Living Resource Center is a disability rights advocacy and support organization.
■ Kimochi offers culturally sensitive care for Japanese American senior citizens.
■ Meals of Marin provides nourishment, comfort, hope and dignity to homebound people with life-threatening illnesses.
■ Planned Parenthood is dedicated to delivering the highest quality reproductive health care, teaching responsible and age-appropriate sexuality education and has been working diligently to protect a woman's right to choose.
■ San Francisco AIDS Foundation is one of the oldest and largest community-based AIDS service organizations in the United States working to end the pandemic and the human suffering caused by HIV.
■ San Francisco Art Institute is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools of higher education in contemporary art in the US.
■ San Francisco Child Abuse Council is a local resource for survivors and advocates.
■ San Francisco School Volunteers is largest source of trained volunteers for San Francisco public schools and an integral part of the city’s education system.
■ Youth & Family Services of Solano County provides an array of mental health and substance abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment services.
Government/Public Agencies
■ Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
■ Marin County Health and Human Services
■ Napa City Hall
■ Oakland Police Department
■ San Francisco Office of the Mayor
■ San Francisco State University, School of Social Work
■ University of California, San Francisco, Marilyn Reed Lucia Child Care Study Center
Private Sector Firms
■ The Law Offices of Michael S. Sorgen
■ The Shemano Group
