International Youth Internship Program
Eager to gain skills and work experience that may lead to employment or further education? Consider joining the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP).
Program Overview
Looking to start your career or explore new opportunities? The International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) helps young Canadians develop valuable skills through hands-on experience in social development and community work.
With the support of Global Affairs Canada, IYIP welcomes youth ages 18 to 30 who are Indigenous, racialized, living with disabilities, or 2SLGBTQIA+ — especially those facing barriers to employment.
Through a four month internship, participants gain practical skills, global connections, and leadership experience with partner organizations in Africa and South America. This program is a collaboration between the YMCA of Greater Toronto, YMCA Cali, YMCA Bogota, YMCA Colombia (located in Bogota),YMCA Peru, YMCA Togo, YMCA Risaralda, and YMCA Sierra Leone.
Why Join IYIP?
- Gain meaningful experience in community work while contributing to social development.
- Join a supportive community to achieve your educational and professional goals Join the global YMCA network
- Expose yourself to challenging situations that will help you grow, such as interacting in another language or living with a host family
- Grow your skills by navigating difficult and unpredictable contexts
The work they do during the program will focus on the pillars of World YMCA’s Vision 2030:
- Community well-being
- Meaningful work
- Sustainable planet
- Just world
- Adapt quickly to new settings & cultures
- Work independently & problem-solve effectively
- Build relationships with local communities
- Stay resilient through unexpected challenges
Our Eligibility Criteria:
- Be 18- to 30-years-old when the internship begins
- Be A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Be Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, or a youth living with a disability who has faced employment obstacles
- Be available to be away from Canada for the entire duration of the internship period.
- Spanish language is an asset for placements in Colombia and Peru
- French language is a requirement for placements in Togo
From application to international placement and beyond, IYIP provides support every step of the way. Here's what you can expect throughout the program.
1-Application Process:
- Complete the application form
- Participate in a screening call with the IYIP team
- Attend an interview with program staff
- Provide professional references
- Attend an information session (program overview and Q&A)
- Complete your candidate profile
- Interview with international host partners
- Complete online career-planning assessments
2-Pre-Departure Preparation:
- Sign your IYIP Participant Agreement
- Complete a Vulnerable Sector Check
- Complete the onboarding process (visa, travel, vaccinations, insurance, and flights)
- Attend mandatory virtual and in-person pre-departure training
1 month
We’ll help prepare you for a safe and successful experience abroad.
3.International Placement (Abroad Experience)
- Live and work with a local host organization
- Contribute to meaningful projects focused on:
- Sustainability
- Education
- Child & Youth Development
- Community Engagement
4 months
Gain real-world experience, build global skills, and make an impact.
4-Return and Career Support
- Attend re-orientation sessions
- Receive YMCA pre-employment support (up to 3 months)
- Participate in public engagement activities to share your experience
- Reflect on your experience, explore career opportunities, and plan your next steps
3 months
We’ll continue to support you as you transition back home.
Key Dates
| Location | Departure Date | Return Date |
|---|---|---|
| Togo | August 7, 2026 | December 5, 2026 |
| Colombia | August 7, 2026 | December 5, 2026 |
| Peru | August 7, 2026 | December 5, 2026 |
| Sierra Leone | August 7, 2026 | December 5, 2026 |
What IYIP Includes
- Roundtrip flight tickets to the placement destination from Canada Visa fees and travel insurance
- Required vaccinations
- Fixed allowance for in-country food, transportation, and local phone plan
- Modest accommodation with a local host family
- Food and accommodation for in-person pre-departure and reintegration training in Canada (when training is not delivered virtually)
- Language lessons for Colombia and Peru Access to employment services
Support to implement individual Public Engagement project
The IYIP allowance is intended to cover only basic living expenses related to the internship, including food, local transportation, and a basic local cell phone plan. It is not intended to cover personal expenses, home-based costs, or optional/luxury items such as imported goods, personal travel, or non-essential purchases.
Participants are responsible for covering:
- Any personal or additional living expenses beyond the provided allowance.
- Medications for pre-existing conditions during the placement.
- Passport applications or renewals.
- Additional language learning expenses beyond what is provided by the program (if applicable).
- Any other personal items or costs required for daily living that are not included in the allowance.
*We cannot reimburse costs associated with passport renewals and applications.
Unsure if the program is a good fit for you? Please contact the team to learn more: Internationalinternship@ymcagta.org
Application Form
Please ensure you meet all of our criteria before applying.
Testimonials
“Completing the International Youth Internship Program with the YMCA of Greater Toronto opened a whole new network for me. I have been able to remain connected to the community I built while being abroad, bring back what I learned from my experience and apply it to my community in Canada, as well as find a new and meaningful job that aligns with my personal and professional goals."
Sali
"The YMCA provides youth and kids with safe spaces to learn, grow, and dream — something that resonated deeply with me. This journey wasn’t just about professional growth; it was a transformation. I stepped out of my comfort zone, embraced challenges, and gained a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me."
Adeb
"The heart of the YMCA is volunteers. They have this opportunity to express their ideas and come up with workshops or anything really, and everyone is open to listening to them. They made so much by using so little — that’s the thing that stuck with me the most. You can feel the difference in energy and how people treat each other, and that sense of community is truly special.”
Lyonel
