Expanding Impact Beyond Borders
After completing their one-year service, Volunteers may choose to serve again as Exchange Volunteers, bringing their experience and passion to another CorpsAfrica country.
Launched in 2016, the XV Program has become a flagship initiative for Pan-African collaboration and understanding, providing young leaders with the opportunity to serve a second term in a different CorpsAfrica country. Through this transformative experience, Volunteers expand their impact beyond borders while gaining invaluable personal and professional growth.
- Contact Us
- If you have any questions about the Exchange Volunteer Program, please contact us or reach out to your Country Office directly.
- Mareme Ndour, Director of Policy and Program delivery
- [email protected]
Program Highlights
The CorpsAfrica Exchange Volunteer (XV) Program offers Alumni the opportunity to serve in another country, promoting cross-cultural learning, collaboration, and the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
Serve Beyond Borders: Exchange Volunteers immerse themselves in a new cultural and social context, bringing their skills and experience to a new community while learning fresh approaches to development.
Gain a Pan-African Perspective: By living and working in another country, Volunteers learn to approach local challenges through a continental lens, fostering empathy, adaptability, and innovation.
Grow Personally and Professionally: The experience builds leadership, resilience, problem-solving, and intercultural communication skills that last long after the service ends.
Build Lasting Connections: Exchange Volunteers form deep bonds across cultures, creating a powerful network of changemakers dedicated to Africa’s shared progress.
Featured Stories from Exchange Volunteers
Data:
Data showing Exchange Volunteers deployed in countries since the start of the program in 2016.
Country | XVs Hosted | XVs Sent |
Morocco | 15 | 15 |
Malawi | 34 | 29 |
Senegal | 27 | 38 |
Rwanda | 26 | 30 |
Kenya | 12 | 14 |
Ghana | 18 | 11 |
Ethiopia | 9 | 5 |
Uganda | 0 | 12 |
The Gambia | 9 | 2 |
South Africa | 4 | 0 |
Cote d’Ivoire | 4 | 0 |
Program Timeline
The process of Volunteer Program consist of:
Recruitment | Training | Deployment |
Interested individuals apply for the exchange program, they go through interview and offer letter is given | Exchange Volunteers go through Virtual Language and Culture Training before travel and in country training after travelling to host country | Exchange Volunteers join local Volunteers for Pre service training and are deployed to communities |
CorpsAfrica recognizes that meaningful service begins with understanding and respect. As such, Language and Culture Training is a core component of the Exchange Volunteer (XV) Program. This initiative equips Exchange Volunteers with the linguistic and cultural skills needed to integrate smoothly and work effectively within their host communities.
The training is delivered in two phases:
- Virtual Training (One Month): Before arriving in their host country, Exchange Volunteers participate in a month-long virtual training focused on foundational language skills and key cultural insights. This prepares them for initial interactions and community engagement.
- In-Person Training (Eight Weeks): Upon arrival, Volunteers undergo an intensive eight-week immersion program led by a designated Language and Culture Facilitator (LCF) in each host country. During this period, they participate in structured lessons and live with host families, allowing them to practice the language in daily life and gain deeper cultural understanding.
Testimonials from Exchange Volunteers:
“Going through the Language and Culture training helped me learn the language quickly and adapt to my community. The facilitator ensured we had opportunities to practice with local people, encouraging us to make mistakes and learn from them—this was my favorite part of the training. Before going to my community, I felt ready to continue learning and carry-on conversations. The LCF gave us an opportunity to lean and ask questions”…Yves Gasore (xv in kenya from Rwanda)
“Through our Language and Culture Training, I felt supported and equipped with the essential skills to navigate life in my community throughout my service. Our Facilitator was always available, providing us with valuable learning materials and guidance. We visited her home several times, and she welcomed us warmly, making the learning experience even more enriching. During our language and cultural training training, we had an opportunity to immensely interact with local people in the local language and that helped us to improve our language skills.” …Hasnae Ahadour (XV in Malawi from Morocco)
“Language training had a huge impact on my exchange volunteer experience, because it did not only help me to communicate effectively with community members but also built trust and deeper connections. Being able to understand and express myself in the local language made integration smoother, enhanced participation in community activities, and gave me a sense of belonging”…Angella Tumusiime(XV IN Rwanda from Uganda)
“Language training was a very important and decisive phase of my service. It gave me the right words and cultural cues to build relationships, listen carefully, and make myself understood. By learning the nuances of local communication: tone, respectful forms of address, and the natural pace of conversation, I gained trust and legitimacy. Conversations were clearer, misunderstandings were fewer, and decisions were more shared. This eased communication simplified coordination, reduced friction, and sped up execution”…Aissatou Dieng(XV in Ghana from Senegal)
Eligibility and Selection
The Exchange Volunteer Program is open to CorpsAfrica Alumni who have successfully completed one year of service in their home country. Selection is based on demonstrated leadership, adaptability, and commitment to CorpsAfrica’s mission.
How Selection Works
The Exchange Volunteer selection process is designed to ensure that the most dedicated and qualified CorpsAfrica Alumni are matched with host countries where their skills and passions can make the greatest impact.
- Call for Applications: A call is released and remains open for up to one month, inviting eligible CorpsAfrica Alumni to apply.
- Information Session: A global information session is held to provide details about the program, featuring Exchange Volunteer Alumni who share their experiences and insights.
- Country Preferences: Applicants may indicate up to four preferred host countries; however, final placements are determined based on availability and program needs.
- Application Review: A review team carefully evaluates all submissions and develops a shortlist of candidates for interviews.
- Interviews: Host country teams conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates to assess motivation, adaptability, and alignment with community needs.
- Matching and Selection: Successful candidates are matched with host countries based on their motivation, skills, and the needs of host communities.
Pre-Departure Preparation: Selected Volunteers receive official offers, participate in an orientation session, and begin virtual language and culture training before traveling to their host countries.
Impact Stories
My CorpsAfrica Story video Wonderful Moses.mp4
“When I was deployed to the south of Senegal, I remember looking up my community on Google Maps, it showed a 14-hour drive, a journey that even passed through The Gambia. Arriving in Mangagoulack at night, I was warmly welcomed by my host family and introduced to local traditions like the Kumpo and Samai dance. Though I struggled with language at first, I found purpose by helping students at the local school, which led to forming an English Club with 36 members. Through the club, I met a student named Aliecia who became my language partner, and with her help, I gradually integrated into the community. Later, I began supporting women in a community garden struggling with irrigation challenges. Using participatory tools, we worked together to install a solar-powered irrigation system and build a protective fence restoring the garden’s productivity and empowering women to return to farming.
Among my fondest memories is my bond with my 7-year-old host sister, Fatou, whose warmth made Mangagoulack feel like home. Serving as an Exchange Volunteer strengthened me both personally and professionally. I became more resilient, adaptable, and skilled in facilitation and community engagement. More importantly, I lived Pan-Africanism through shared learning, collaboration, and solidarity. Today, as an Environmental Health and Safety Officer at Lilongwe Dairy in Malawi, I continue to apply the skills and values I gained from my service.”…Nganawe Chiona (XV in Senegal and From Malawi) UM6P Conference Afternoon.mp4
Serving with CorpsAfrica/Senegal and later as an Exchange Volunteer in Morocco has been one of the most defining experiences of my life. Both journeys shaped not only my professional path but also the person I am today. Living and working closely with communities taught me humility, resilience, and the true meaning of service.
In Senegal, I discovered the power of local action, how small initiatives can transform lives when communities take the lead. In Morocco, I learned to navigate a new culture, language, and environment with openness and curiosity. That experience strengthened my ability to adapt, to listen deeply, and to connect beyond borders. It also opened doors for me to work in bilingual and multicultural environments, where I continue to grow and share the values of empathy and inclusion that CorpsAfrica embodies.
Today, I serve as a Program Coordinator at Ignitee, an entity of the Haské Group, where I contribute to programs supporting young entrepreneurs, including AEN, the support system for digital entrepreneurship under the Force N program. I also serve as Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Committee for the UEMOA region, working to strengthen collaboration and peer learning among fellows.
CorpsAfrica taught me to embody solidarity, active listening, and peace, values that continue to inspire my work and my vision for a more inclusive and resilient Africa. Aïcha Tening Ndour (XV in Morocco from Senegal)
“Joining the Program, I wanted to explore and learn best practices from other countries. I also wanted to make an impact in another community other than my home country’s. Also as Pan Africanist, I believe that our development is our responsibility and I would like to give my contribution to as many communities as I can, because I am learning throughout the journey as well”….Honorine Ndakwizeye Mpuhwe(Ghana XV from Rwanda”
“The Exchange Volunteer program has been a major stepping stone in both my professional and personal development. Professionally, I had the unique opportunity to attend specialized training at the University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), where I participated in the Climate Awareness Program, engaged with the Sustainability Lab, and attended the Deep Tech Summit 2025. These experiences deepened my understanding of climate action, innovation, and sustainable development, all of which are crucial in today’s global development landscape. The experience has equipped me with practical skills, global awareness, and personal growth that will shape my future career in development and community empowerment”…Adrien MANISHIMWE (XV in Morocco from Rwanda
Support Our Work
CorpsAfrica addresses two of Africa’s most difficult challenges: engaging youth and helping rural communities overcome extreme poverty. We recruit and train motivated volunteers to live and work in rural, under-resourced areas in their own countries. They collaborate with the community to design and implement small-scale projects that address their top priorities and, by doing so, gain the skills and experience that lay the foundation for personal and professional success.
CorpsAfrica trusts youth and communities to help each other.