The International Youth Initiative Program (YIP) is a new social entrepreneur training in Järna, Sweden, for youth aged 18 to 25 who want to create a positive social change in the world. – A course in how to bring your own initiative into being.

The year is open for participants from around the world.
The application for 2010–2011 opens 11 January 2009.

Visit www.yip.se for more information on requirements and how to apply – or to order free flyers!

"YIP is the ultimate opportunity."
– Lauryn Morley (Canada, YIP 2008–2009)

Know yourself and the World

Be inspired by international experts, doers and innovators, who give an overview of current global issues, challenges we face in society, and encourage your active role in the big picture.

Develop your skills in leadership, facilitation, self-awareness, and reflection: capacities you need to put your ideas into practice.

Inspire your creativity through artistic work. Broaden your knowledge of theoretical subjects. reflect, and expand your perspective.

"Nicanor’s course brought the realization that we can indeed change the world while changing ourselves."

– Maika Munske (USA, YIP 2008–2009)

Hands-on experiences

Learn by doing – Engage with the local community through practical projects, and put your new skills and theories to the test.

Spend four weeks abroad – Experience new cultures and ways of working at projects or organizations exploring issues of sustainability.

Receive recognition – Your experiences are recorded on signed course certificates. Together with the Swedish Folk High School diploma, this official YIP Portfolio documents your YIP year.

"Take a year before, during, or immediately after college. You won’t regret it."

– Eric Utne (USA, Entrepreneur and YIP Course Leader)

The location

YIP takes place in Järna, Sweden, a rural community known for its initiative and innovation in sustainability. Located south of Stockholm, it is home to numerous projects, businesses and organizations working with comprehensive sustainable development.

YIP participants combine work at these local initiatives with the global perspectives presented in the program.

Finding your Place

Your understanding of yourself and the world directly influences your actions. Thus the results of what you do can only be as sustainable and comprehensive as your understanding of yourself, humanity, and the world.

Through wide-ranging explorations of important issues affecting humanity and society, YIP supports integral and global understanding, thereby helping you to direct your actions to benefit the comprehensive sustainable development of individuals and the planet.

"YIP is a decision for constant change. It is leapfrogging the educational status quo, stepping into the world of imagination and opportunity. YIP creates a foundation for identity and a platform for innovation and initiative."

– Pieter Ploeg (Holland, YIP 2009–2010)

Courses at YIP

YIP covers a variety of themes, including: environment, world changing, mentoring, fundraising, communication, facilitation, sociology, medicine and health care, theater, storytelling, hand crafts and painting.

Application and Requirements

Course Dates: 22 August 2010 – 29 June 2011.

YIP is an intensive, full-day course. To apply, you must be between 18 and 25 years old, and be able to understand, speak, read and write English. Participant Housing is provided.

Application opens: 11 January 2010

Application closes: 18 June 2010

Acceptance dates: 29 march and 30 June 2010

Background and organization

YIP is organized by an international group of young people through the YIP association. YIP is a part of Vårdinge By Folk High School and is hosted at the Rudolf Steiner Seminar in Järna, Sweden. YIP is a politically and religiously independent program and encourages diversity in culture, background and perspective.