AUS is an international non-profit youth exchange organisation promoting youth mobility, intercultural learning and international voluntary service. AUS has almost 50 years of experience of organising long and short-term exchanges combining home stays with voluntary service in a variety of community service projects around the world.
AUS is an educational organisation with the goal of giving people the opportunity to experiene the culture and society of different nations. AUS enables young people to develop their personal skills and broaden their horizon doing voluntary service in other countries. AUS gives young people in Iceland the chance to work as volunteers abroad and also receives young people from different countries around the world and introduces to them life and culture in Iceland through voluntary work.
AUS is run partly by homecoming ICYE volunteers and is a member of The National Youth Council of Iceland.
History of AUS
ICYE-Iceland,was founded in 1961 by the National Icelandic Church. In 1983, the organisation changed its name to AUS, Alþjóðleg ungmennaskipti. Since foundation over 1000 exchangees have participated inthe international voluntary programme and travelled to all corners of the world and we have welcomed a similar number of foreign exchangees here in Iceland.
Today, AUS is a sending and hosting organisation for young people between 18-30+ years old willing to join voluntary activities abroad and experience living in a different culture. AUS is a non-governmental (NGO) and non-profit making organisation, promoting peace and understanding among people and nations.
Today, AUS is a sending and hosting organisation for young people between 18-30+ years old willing to join voluntary activities abroad and experience living in a different culture. AUS is a non-governmental (NGO) and non-profit making organisation, promoting peace and understanding among people and nations.
The ICYE network
AUS is an independent international organisation and a member of the worldwide ICYE Federation and the ICYE European Association, which includes Federation members in Europe. More can be read about ICYE here.
AUS is an independent international organisation and a member of the worldwide ICYE Federation and the ICYE European Association, which includes Federation members in Europe. More can be read about ICYE here.
The European Association maintains Consultative Status with the Council of Europe, and is a full member of the European Youth Forum and of the Association of Voluntary Service Organisations (AVSO).
The ICYE Federation is a participating member of the following international organisations:
United Nations Economic and Social Council - ECOSOC (Consultative Status)
United Nations Department of Public Information, DPI-NGO Committee
UNESCO (Official Operational Relations)
UNESCO NGOs Liaison Committee
European Commission, Directorate General Education and Culture - Youth Unit
World Council of Churches (working relations as international ecumenical organisation)
Co-ordinating Committee of International Voluntary Service (CCIVS)









