Intercultural Student Exchange Programs (KÜDEP) first emerged in the early 20th century, primarily as a means to strengthen cultural dialogue and foster international understanding in the aftermath of global conflicts. These programs gained significant momentum particularly after the Second World War, as many nations embraced them with the aim of promoting peace and enhancing tolerance on a global scale.

Such initiatives have demonstrated that cultural exchange between nations should not be confined to diplomatic or commercial relations alone, but must also involve profound and meaningful dialogue at the societal level. As a result of this vision, KÜDEP has evolved into a globally implemented system, facilitated through a wide range of universities, secondary schools, and international educational institutions across the world.