Council of International Fellowship
The Council of International Fellowship is an international organization that supports professional exchanges, in-service training, and cooperation in social work.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
The Council of International Fellowship (CIF) is an international organization focused on professional exchange and in-service learning in the field of social work. Its activities connect social workers and other social-service professionals across national borders, giving participants opportunities to observe practice in other countries, exchange professional experience, and develop broader perspectives on social welfare and community work. The organization’s origins are associated with Henry B. Ollendorff, a German-born social work educator and organizer who returned to Germany as part of a United States government re-education initiative after the Second World War. In 1954, Ollendorff conducted courses for youth leaders and social workers in Hesse. His work with the participants led him to propose an international exchange program. The proposal received support from the German Ministry of Youth and the German Fulbright Commission. The first German participants subsequently traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, establishing the foundation for a continuing transatlantic exchange structure. In 1956, the Cleveland International Program was founded in the United States. It later became known as the Council of International Programs. A reciprocal German exchange program followed in 1958, initially involving invitations to American social workers. These early exchanges created the institutional and professional network from which CIF developed. CIF was formally founded in Hamburg, Germany, in 1960 and is registered in Bonn. Its international scope has expanded beyond the original Germany–United States relationship to include exchange activity involving India, Western European countries, and other participating regions. The organization’s work is centered on professional development rather than commercial products: its principal offerings are exchange placements, study and learning opportunities, and international meetings for people working in social work and related services. In addition to exchange programs, CIF has organized international conferences. Recorded conference locations include Goa, India, in 2003; Bonn, Germany, in 2005; Cleveland, Ohio, in 2007; Finland in 2009; Cyprus in 2011; and Ankara, Turkey, in 2013. These events provide a forum for professional discussion and reinforce CIF’s role as a network for cross-border learning in social work. Publicly available reference material does not provide a complete account of its current governance, staffing, finances, membership totals, or all present-day programs.
History
The Council of International Fellowship emerged from postwar efforts to strengthen professional education and international understanding in social work. Its development is closely linked to Henry B. Ollendorff, a German-born social work professional who was sent to Germany through a United States government re-education program. In 1954, while working with youth leaders and social workers in Hesse, Ollendorff developed the idea of creating an exchange program that would allow professionals to learn from social-work practice in another country. The proposal gained institutional backing from the German Ministry of Youth and the German Fulbright Commission. This support enabled the first German participants to travel to Cleveland, Ohio. The Cleveland initiative became the Cleveland International Program in 1956 and was later known as the Council of International Programs. The arrangement established an early framework for professional exchange between Germany and the United States. A reciprocal German program followed in 1958, when American social workers were invited to Germany. The two-way structure was important to the organization’s later identity: the purpose was not simply to send trainees abroad, but to promote mutual learning and the exchange of professional experience. The activities addressed social work and related work with young people, communities, and social-service institutions. CIF was formally founded in Hamburg in 1960. It is registered in Bonn, Germany. Over time, the organization developed a broader international network, with exchange programs involving the United States, India, Western European countries, and other parts of the world. Its work has remained oriented toward professional development, intercultural understanding, and the transfer of practical knowledge rather than toward the sale of conventional consumer products. Alongside exchange programs, CIF has convened international conferences. The documented sequence includes meetings in Goa in 2003, Bonn in 2005, Cleveland in 2007, Finland in 2009, Cyprus in 2011, and Ankara in 2013. These conferences extended the organization’s exchange model into a larger forum for professional dialogue and networking. Available reference material does not establish a detailed chronology after the 2013 conference, nor does it identify current officers, staff, financial results, or a definitive list of all national affiliates. Accordingly, the organization’s historical record can be described with confidence through its founding, early exchange development, international expansion, and documented conference activity, while more recent operational details remain unspecified.
- 2013
International conference held in Ankara
[1]CIF held an international conference in Ankara, Turkey.
- 2011
International conference held in Cyprus
[1]CIF held an international conference in Cyprus.
- 2009
International conference held in Finland
[1]CIF held an international conference in Finland.
- 2007
International conference held in Cleveland
[1]CIF held an international conference in Cleveland, Ohio.
- 2005
International conference held in Bonn
[1]CIF held an international conference in Bonn, Germany.
- 2003
International conference held in Goa
[1]CIF held an international conference in Goa, India.
- 1960
Council of International Fellowship founded
[1]CIF was founded in Hamburg, Germany, and later registered in Bonn.
- 1958
German reciprocal exchange begins
[1]A German exchange program began with invitations to American social workers, expanding the initial transatlantic initiative into a reciprocal model.
- 1956
Cleveland International Program founded
[1]The Cleveland International Program was established after the first German participants traveled to Cleveland, Ohio. It was later known as the Council of International Programs.
- 1954
Ollendorff develops the exchange-program concept
[1]While conducting courses for youth leaders and social workers in Hesse, Henry B. Ollendorff conceived an international exchange program for social-work professionals.
Products and positioning
A nonprofit-oriented international professional network using cross-border exchange, training, and conferences to support learning and cooperation in social work.
Professional exchange · 1956
International exchange programs
CIF’s core activity is the organization of international exchange opportunities for social workers and related professionals. Participants can gain exposure to professional practice in another country, compare institutional approaches, and build relationships with colleagues abroad. The program tradition began with exchanges between Germany and the United States and later expanded to additional countries and regions.
Training · 1954
In-service training and professional learning
The organization provides opportunities for continuing professional development through structured learning, practical observation, and the exchange of experience. These activities are directed toward people working in social work and associated social-service fields rather than toward a consumer market.
Professional events · 2003
International conferences
CIF organizes international conferences that bring together professionals from different countries for discussion, networking, and comparative learning. Documented meetings have taken place in Europe, North America, and Asia, including conferences in Goa, Bonn, Cleveland, Finland, Cyprus, and Ankara.
Sources1 sources
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