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International Youth Internship Program

The International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) is a unique collaboration between McMaster University (Office of the International Affairs, Student Success Centre, Black Student Success Centre, and the African-Caribbean Faculty Association of McMaster), Empowerment Squared, and Schools of Dreams. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, this exciting, culturally immersive international internship program places 100 individuals aged 18 to 30 living in Canada in a structured four-month internship in Liberia and Ghana. Interns joining the program travel in 6 cohorts, with the first cohort travelling in January 2025.

Applications for Cohort 1 closed on 28 September 2024, but you still can apply for future Cohorts!

 

Expandable List

  • Gain valuable international work experience and enhance your employment opportunities and leadership capacity. 
  • Acquire professional job skills and explore global citizenship through the pre-departure training program McMaster University offers. 
  • Engage in meaningful work with partner organizations in Liberia and Ghana and significantly contribute to these organizations. 
  • Make connections and begin building your professional network. 
  • Earn while you learn: Interns receive a stipend of $4,400 over the four months of the internship program. 
  • Get support during your professional development: Interns will have access to mentorship throughout the internship program. 
  • The internship is open to individuals between 18 and 30 living in Canada, including students (undergraduate and graduate) and alumni of post-secondary institutions. 
  • Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. 
  • Applicants must be willing to commit to a four-month stay in the destination country.
     

Priority is given to participants from:

    • Equity-deserving groups 
    • Indigenous communities
    • Racialized minorities 
    • Applicants with disabilities
    • Gender diverse communities
    • Low-income backgrounds  

The IYIP is a funded internship program that provides travel, accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly stipend. Interns who participate in the program receive a stipend of $4,400 over the four months of the internship program. Additionally,  the program covers the following expenses: 

  • Travel costs: International round-trip airfares from Canada to Africa; regional round-trip airfares and transportation within Africa related to program activities; domestic travel costs within Canada to participate in workshops, training, and internship activities; meals and incidentals during program-related travel. 
  • Accommodation: Short-term accommodation during travel, e.g. overnight stays, homestays, and the cost of local accommodation for all program-required activities for the duration of each cohort. 
  • Travel administration: Costs associated with health insurance, visa processing, courier services, and vaccination fees. 
  • The IYIP includes six cohorts across the duration of the program. Each cohort is four months long. 
  • Each cohort consists of 12-20 participants split between Ghana and Liberia. 
  • Participants spend a month preparing through in-person and virtual sessions with McMaster University, Empowerment Squared, and Schools of Dreams. 
  • Half the participants go to Liberia with the Empowerment Squared team members. 
  • Half the participants go to Ghana with the Empowerment Squared and Schools of Dreams teams. 
  • Interns work on specific research projects during the internship period: 
    • The research project in Ghana aims to create better educational environments and facilities in rural areas, focusing on women and girls. 
    • The research project in Liberia aims to empower grassroots organizations to combat substance abuse, drug addiction, and mental health challenges. 

McMaster University (Office of the International Affairs, Student Success Centre, Black Student Success Centre, and the African-Caribbean Faculty Association of McMaster) works on the delivery of the program in collaboration with Empowerment Squared and Schools of Dreams, as well as local, international, and community organizations.  McMaster University will lead the recruitment activities and deliver pre-departure training to equip the participants with the skills required for the internship.

I’m a McMaster grad. Am I eligible to apply? 

Yes, IYIP is open to all current McMaster students and alumni.

Is there an age limit? 

Yes, only individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 are eligible. 

Do I have to be a full-time student to participate? 

No, the IYIP is open to anyone between 18 and 30. 

I’m an international student. Can I participate in the IYIP? 

The IYIP is open to Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents only as per funder guidelines.

Are there any other placement destinations other than Ghana and Liberia? 

No, Ghana or Liberia are the only IYIP internship destinations. 

I’m interested in the IYIP but cannot participate in the January 2025 cohort. Can I express my interest in joining future cohorts now? 

Yes, future IYIP cohorts will be announced soon, and candidates who expressed interest in the IYIP but could not join the January 2025 cohort will be contacted. 

How many IYIP interns are accepted each year? 

The IYIP hires approximately 25 interns annually to join the program in different cohorts. 

What kind of learning and development opportunities do interns receive in the program? 

IYIP Interns will experience a vibrant culture of learning and leadership throughout the program. They receive virtual, self-paced Global Citizenship training, face-to-face pre-departure training, and ongoing coaching and mentoring throughout their placement in Ghana and Liberia. 

Are IYIP positions paid? 

Yes, interns receive a stipend of $4,400 over the four months of the internship program.