HerStart International Fellowships

A ‘HerStart Fellowship’ is an opportunity to volunteer with YCI’s HerStart Innovate the Future program. Canadians have the opportunity to meaningfully contribute their time and energy to the bold goals of the HerStart program, while also learning about the critical global topics of women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship. This volunteer opportunity has been designed as a fellowship to provide high-quality training, resources, hands-on experience and networking for fellows, while also recognizing the level of knowledge and skills that successful applicants will bring to their positions.

Requirements and desired qualifications for HerStart Fellowships are listed within each position description on the Opportunities page. However, the key eligibility must-haves for all positions include:  

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident 
• Professional level English language skills (written and verbal) 
• Enrolled in or graduated from a post-secondary institution (or have equivalent work experience) 
• Access to a personal laptop to use throughout placement 
• Able to commit to the full term of engagement 
• Able to meet the fundraising goal before the start date 
• Able to meet all travel requirements for international placements 
• Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two doses) at least 14 days prior to departure and be able to provide proof of vaccination 

Please note that individuals from all age, gender, academic and professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply. Although previous international development experience will be considered an asset, it is not required to participate in the HerStart Fellowship program. 

International Fellowship placements are full-time engagements in which volunteers collaborate with global staff and partners during regular in-country working hours. To suit different types of availability and program needs, placements are either 3 or 6 months in duration. Each International Fellowship also includes a week of virtual pre-departure training before you go and a week of reintegration support when you return home.

HerStart International Fellows have the opportunity to access many resources, connections and experiences to advance their personal and professional development. A few examples include high-quality training, ongoing mentorship, and membership to an exclusive international network focused on women’s empowerment, climate action and social enterprise. Fellows will be eligible for one vacation day per month while on placement. International Fellows will also have most of their travel and living costs covered by YCI (see below). 

To help make international volunteering more accessible, YCI covers many costs involved in the fellowship experience. Expenses covered include international roundtrip airfare, required travel visas and a monthly allowance to cover basic living costs including accommodation, communications, food and transportation. Fellows also receive a stipend towards necessary vaccines and medications and in-country emergency medical and evacuation insurance.   

Learning and development is a key component of the fellowship experience. Each fellow participates in a comprehensive training process, which includes pre-departure training, in-country orientation, ongoing training events and activities throughout the placement, as well as reintegration trainings and activities upon your return home.    

There is a week-long schedule of virtual pre-departure training before you go. During this period, you will engage in interactive Zoom sessions and online courses designed and facilitated by subject matter experts, including YCI staff, fellows and partners. This will cover a wide array of topics, including an orientation to the HerStart program, health and safety overseas, and the core themes of the program (gender equality, social entrepreneurship, climate action and ethical development). Throughout your placement you will actively contribute to the peer-to-peer learning process by leading and engaging in training opportunities with other fellows, partner organizations and YCI staff. You will also be guided through reintegration support and related activities when you return home to debrief the experience and prepare you for your next endeavour.  

The application form includes the submission of your CV, past writing or creative samples, and answers to a few long answer questions related to the themes and requirements of the program. You are also able to indicate which roles and countries you are most interested in being considered for. Note that a cover letter is not required. Two professional or academic references will be requested in the final stages of recruitment. If you applied to be considered for a previous cohort, you will need to submit a new application to indicate your updated experience, passions and interests. 

COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the nature of YCI’s work, especially as it relates to international travel. Given the complex realities and changing nature of COVID-19 regulations and guidelines, YCI will be resuming HerStart International Fellowships at a reduced capacity. All individuals who are interested in a HerStart International Fellowship should be highly flexible, adaptable and adhere to the following criteria.  

International Fellows must be: 

• Fully vaccinated (two doses) against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination 
• Able to meet the Canadian, destination country and airline requirements related to COVID-19 testing 
• Agree to follow all COVID-19 mitigation measures as issued by the Canadian Government, YCI staff and local authorities in placement countries 

As the current global context continues to evolve, so too will YCI guidelines and processes. As new information and best practices emerge, policies and processes may be adjusted. All individuals considering a HerStart International Fellowship must be willing to meet all requirements and recognize that these may change over time. 

Yes, given the evolving nature of COVID-19 regulations internationally, International Fellowship departure dates could change based on several factors, including specific travel restrictions, flight availability, COVID-19 regulations in host country, visa entry and/or work permit requirements, and your health status leading up to your departure date.

These factors are all actively monitored by YCI and we will endeavour to keep you informed if we foresee any changes; however, we request your flexibility and patience as we navigate this unprecedented time.