International Youth Internship Program (IYIP)

The International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy, which provides Canadian youth with the tools and experience they need to launch successful careers.

The IYIP is designed to offer Canadian post-secondary graduates the opportunity to gain professional experience through international development work. The objective of the IYIP is to support sustainable international development initiatives, proposed in partnership with local partner organizations, by Canadian professional associations, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations and private companies.

In order to qualify, Canadian youth must be between the ages of 19 to 30, and be post-secondary graduates, graduates of a degree or diploma program in a university, college, post-secondary school of technology, post-secondary institute or a CEGEP (general and vocational college).

The Program aims to:

  • provide eligible Canadian youth with international experience, skills and knowledge that will prepare them for future employment;
  • increase employment opportunities by promoting awareness among Canadian organizations of the advantages of integrating young Canadian professionals into their structures and programs; and,
  • provide opportunities for Canadian youth to promote Canada’s international development efforts both in Canada and abroad.

International youth internships consist of a minimum six-month period spent in a developing country working on issues such as equality between women and men, the environment, health, education, small business development, and agriculture.

In 2018, Global Affairs Canada conducted a lessons learned workshop to identify program results and areas for improvement. Participants included interns, Canadian organizations, field support staff and Global Affairs Canada employees. The workshop generated a list of best practices for Canadian organizations.

Find out more about IYIP internship opportunities through the following Canadian partner organizations:

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