Last year we brought to Morgantown a most remarkable, most diverse, group of young and mid-career professionals. For many reasons the WVCIP (locally referred to as “CIP”) program continues to attract people whose lives, work, and personalities make a difference in West Virginia.

Now we are actively recruiting professionals from around the globe for our 2007 program, which begins in early August and runs through late November. Qualifications for the program include a professional degree, three years of experience in your profession, the ability to do your work in the English language, and a strong desire to learn through a professional and culture exchange. A WVCIP placement includes cultural learning through host family living, as each participant lives with four different families over the course of four months.

CIP is an inexpensive way to gain international experience. Refer to the Costs of a CIP Placement. If, after you have explored all funding possibilities of your own, do not think that the program is beyond your reach. The Board of Directors will provide partial financial aid to deserving candidates. If you wish to apply, contact me at lky2@mail.wvnet.edu as soon as possible for a request form. Financial aid requests will be considered only for people who have already submitted an application. For 2007, the deadline is March 15.

The CIP program has a two-week orientation program and offers twelve weeks of a professional assignment, where you work with colleagues at a participating work agency. Participants also have the opportunity to audit two classes at West Virginia University. Finally, your group meets weekly, often at the home of a CIP Director.

Situated in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, the city of Morgantown offers many excellent sites for a cultural experience and a professional placement. For Fall 2007, CIP is particularly looking for mid-career professionals with expertise in dealing with the disabled, including assistive technology. We are looking as well for a person in the social services able to work with rural people in need. We may also have placement sites for people with a variety of skills who work in the area of environmental protection, particularly with water quality of small communities. We also welcome applications in forestry and agriculture.

Morgantown is not a large city, but it offers numerous activities. Check for yourself by visiting these Morgantown web sites:

   • City of Morgantown
   • Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce

If you’re not sure whether your field of work is appropriate for a placement in our program, just send me a query at lky2@mail.wvnet.edu

Chances are, we can find a good spot for you.

Our common values include cultural diversity, and respect for individuals, world community and peace, professional development, sustainability, cooperative learning, volunteerism, and fellowship.

Linda Yoder
WVCIP Program Coordinator

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