Youth Exchange Program

Education in BCC’s foundation of faith, missionary work and church life

YEP participates in Bible studies and becomes part of an Christian community with young people of many different cultures. Central themes in the program are:

• Focus on my chances to be able to show an interest, to help and to care
• Focus on my chances of triggering the potential in the people with whom i have to do 
• The importance of being an independent and reflective person in the context of a larger community 
• The importance of making independent choices which can make a difference in my surroundings 
• The chance to be able to build community across background, culture, and personality

The most effective training however takes place through participating in the practical mission and church work. YEP participates in the following activities throughout the two seasons that the program spans:

• TV production and film production in BrunstadTV
• Communication on web and social media 
• Translation of articles from Norwegian to mother tongue 
• Planning and implementing large international conferences 
• Planning of the implementation of smaller events with specific themes 
• Visits to different Norwegian local churches 
• Practical implementation of social work in both small and large arenas

Instruction in Norwegian Language and Culture

A part of YEP’s purpose is precisely that of learning the Norwegian language and culture. The participants are involved in a Norwegian course in several phases, both through group lessons and on the Internet, prior to them completing the exam and receiving a course certificate. In addition, YEP motivates the  participants to use their free-time to continue their study of Norwegian via competitions, Norwegian cultural events and discussions.

The participants take active part in Norwegian National holidays. Constitution Day, Sankthans (the longest day, 23^rd June) and Christmas are celebrated according to Norwegian Traditions. Moreover, activity days are arranged together with local churches around Norway, where everything takes place in Norwegian.

Respect and tolerance in a multi-cultural environment

BCC has a tradition of stimulating national uniqueness in churches from abroad. In YEP it is a central theme to get to know, understand and respect each other’s cultures. This manifests itself at such times as the church’s biannual mission feasts that are arranged by local churches throughout the whole world.

With 30 nations represented, YEP is a topical arena for building community across cultures. Even though the participants learn Norwegian and learn about Norwegian culture, the year in YEP is an extremely international affair. The participants are therefore allowed to promote their own national uniqueness via culture feasts having a national character, wherein everybody in YEP takes part.

When young people from many cultures come together for an entire year, the participants receive an international network which is of use to them later on in life. By participating in BCC´s international conferences at Brunstad, their network is further enlarged.

Efforts in the church’s conferences and projects

YEP takes part in BCC’s planning and implementation of the international conferences. Participants are given  education in the areas of health, environment and safety. Moreover, training is given in customer service, communication, the workplace, work ethics and attitudes.