Approximately 460 conference participants are attending the 9th World IFYE Conference.

All participants have been involved in the exchange over the last 30 years and gather every 5 years to renew acquaintances.

People are attending from 22 countries, including Korea, United States of America, Philippines, Taiwan, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Japan, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Isle of Man, Jamaica and Thailand.

Commencing with a Welcome function at the Mercure Grosvenor on Saturday, October 4, the delegates will experience all of the delights of SA during their week long stay.

Delegates include past members and exchange program participants from Rural Youth, Young Farmers, Junior Farmers and 4H from around the world.

The Conference will be held for the first time in the southern hemisphere since 1977 and in Australia for the first time ever.

The international exchange program originated in America and was developed in the late 1950s, to build relationships across borders and promote international understanding.

As it spread, it included international exchange programs around the globe, as well as interstate programs within Australia.

In Australia the program still operates in WA, Tasmania and Queensland through Rural Youth and Young Farmers.

In other states, the organisations have closed and it’s past participants and members who are invited to come along.

The conference promotes the goals of the member organisations – peace through understanding – and offers delegates the opportunity to meet old friends, make new ones and learn about a new destination and culture.

The conference is delighted to have secured support from a number of organizations, including Primary Industries and Resources SA, and Waterfind.