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Contribute your skills and gain international volunteer experience while collaborating with impact-driven teams\u00a0focused on social entrepreneurship, climate action and gender equality.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
See Latest Opportunities <\/a><\/p>\r\n Jump To<\/p>\r\n For over 35 years, YCI has guided thousands of Canadians through international volunteer programs. Before departure, you will receive holistic training that prepares you for life overseas and builds your knowledge in key areas including gender, climate and social impact. Once in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda, our experienced team will get you settled and provide you with tailored support throughout your placement. Upon your return home, reintegration support will help you debrief your experience and guide you to your next opportunity!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Costs covered by YCI:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Contribute to women’s economic empowerment<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n Through a HerStart Fellowship, you will connect and collaborate with young women, communities and global partners to help grow\u00a0social entrepreneurship ecosystems.\u00a0While expanding your professional network, you will also help women launch or scale the next wave of social businesses that will benefit people, the economy and the planet.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Learn more about the HerStart program<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n Amplify your personal and professional growth<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n Add to your\u00a0CV and lived experience by building new knowledge, skills and networks\u00a0to shape your impact-driven journey through an\u00a0immersive international volunteer fellowship.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Gain exclusive access to:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n A HerStart Fellowship is a specialized experience for Canadians built around your diverse skills, knowledge and passions including:<\/p>\r\n See All Opportunities <\/a> Social<\/p>\r\n Entrepreneurship<\/p>\r\n Support the team in coaching social entrepreneurs and implementing the HerStart Catalyst Fund grants.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n See Opportunities <\/a> Communications &<\/p>\r\n Marketing<\/p>\r\n Use your skills to design and deliver creative social media, writing, photography, videos and more.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n See Opportunities <\/a> Research &<\/p>\r\n Learning<\/p>\r\n Apply your data collection, analysis and reporting skills to unpack learnings and demonstrate impact.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n See Opportunities <\/a> Program &<\/p>\r\n Partnerships<\/p>\r\n Flex your project management, volunteer engagement and partnership development skill sets.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n See Opportunities <\/a> Submit an application before an upcoming deadline. If your application is successful, you will receive\u00a0an\u00a0interview invitation and participate in\u00a0a\u00a0virtual\u00a0interview with a YCI staff member.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Step 2: Position Offer<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n If your interview is successful, you will receive a position offer. Once you’ve indicated your interest\u00a0in moving forward, you’ll be asked to submit two professional or academic\u00a0references and you’ll receive a Volunteer Agreement to\u00a0review,\u00a0sign and submit.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Step 3: Pre-Departure Preparation<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n Once you have submitted your deposit and met your fundraising goal, you’ll complete your week-long\u00a0pre-departure training.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Step 4: International Deployment<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n Deploy to your assigned\u00a0location to start your placement with in-country orientation.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n — Zachary, Program & Partnerships Fellow, Ghana<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div> — Landyn Imagawa, Program & Partnerships Fellow, Ghana <\/p>\n <\/div><\/div> — Emma Reeves, Gender Equality Fellow, Uganda <\/p>\n <\/div><\/div> — Sheilagh Newland, Communications Fellow, Ghana <\/p>\n <\/div><\/div> — Aarif Vinuu Senthil, Social Entrepreneurship Fellow, Uganda <\/p>\n <\/div><\/div> — Shelly Steffler, Communications Fellow, Ghana <\/p>\n <\/div><\/div> — Sarah Naylor, Program and Training Fellow<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div> — Shanna Sunley, Research & Insights Fellow<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div> — Joseph Flores, Climate Action Fellow<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div> — Ramsha Ahmed, Program and Training Fellow<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div> — Katarina Alurovic, Research and Insights Fellow<\/p>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div> You have questions, we have answers. We’re here to help you figure out if a HerStart International\u00a0Fellowship is right for you.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n See All FAQ <\/a> What is a HerStart Fellowship? <\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n 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<\/a>, while also learning more about the critical global topics of women’s empowerment, climate action and social entrepreneurship. This volunteer opportunity targets young professionals and students (ages 20-35) and has been designed as a ‘Fellowship’ to provide high-quality training, resources, hands-on experience and networking, while also recognizing the\u00a0knowledge and skills that successful applicants already have.<\/p>\r\n Am I eligible for a HerStart Fellowship? <\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n Requirements and desired qualifications for HerStart Fellowships are listed within each position description on the Opportunities<\/a> page. However, the key eligibility must-haves for all positions include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Please note that individuals from all gender, academic and professional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply. The program is primarily designed for those between the ages of 20-35. Although previous international development experience will be considered an asset, it is not required to participate in the HerStart Fellowship program.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n What is the time commitment and length of the international fellowship? <\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n HerStart International Fellowship placements are 3-month, full-time engagements; volunteers collaborate with both YCI staff and partner organizations during regular in-country working hours (Monday-Friday, 35-40 hours per week). All placement hours must be completed in person; remote or online work is not available. Each international fellowship also includes a week of virtual pre-departure training before you go and reintegration support and alumni engagement when you return home.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n What types of benefits would I receive as a HerStart Fellow? <\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n HerStart 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. The majority of travel and living costs are covered through funding from the Goverment of Canada (see below for more details).\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Which expenses are covered by YCI?<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n 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. Please note that the final monthly allowance and any eligible reimbursements submitted are disbursed upon completion of the placement. To support health and wellbeing, fellows receive a stipend towards mandatory vaccines and medications up to $300. Fellows also receive comprehensive emergency medical and evacuation insurance.\u00a0Some costs that are not covered include vaccination\/medication costs that surpass the $300 allocation, luxury services or accommodations, and a criminal record background check (if you do not have a recent one).\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\r\n What type of training and learning opportunities will I receive throughout the fellowship? <\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n 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 activities upon returning home.<\/p>\r\n There is a week-long schedule of virtual pre-departure training where fellows will engage in interactive Zoom sessions and online courses designed and facilitated by subject matter experts, including YCI staff, fellows and partners. This training covers 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). In Tanzania and Uganda language barriers are higher and as a result introductory language lessons are provided by YCI in these locations. Throughout their placement fellows 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. Fellows will also be guided through a wrap-up process at the end of their placement to debrief the experience and prepare for their next endeavour.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n In which locations does YCI’s HerStart program operate?<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n YCI’s HerStart program currently operates in 3 countries: Ghana (Tamale and Bolgatanga), Tanzania (Unguja, Zanzibar) and Uganda (Mpigi). Each country and city was\u00a0selected through a comprehensive research and development process conducted with local organizations and subject matter experts. YCI has operated in Ghana and Tanzania for over 20 years, fostering strong networks and experience in both countries. Uganda is the newest focus area within YCI’s operations in East Africa, selected for its strong alignment with the HerStart program and its reputation as one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n What is a typical day or week like for a HerStart Fellow?<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n A ‘typical’ day and week for each HerStart Fellow will vary greatly depending on both the real-time needs of the program and each fellow’s role, skills and interests. However, fellows can expect that each week will include a varied combination of team meetings, one-on-one meetings with their supervisor(s), independent office work, online learning opportunities, collaborative engagements with entrepreneurs and\/or local youth, and visits to partner offices, events and training locations. Common deliverables include workshop facilitation, event management, qualitative and quantitative research, coaching, community outreach, grant writing, social media content development, administrative support, public engagement, and many more. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n An overview of typical roles and responsibilities for each position can be found here<\/a>. Please note that flexibility and open-mindedness are crucial, as fellows may also be engaged in other immediate needs to support the objectives of YCI’s HerStart program.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n A typical week involves volunteering in person at the YCI or partner offices from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm local time (with occasional evening or weekend hours). Time off will be available on weekends and local national holidays.<\/p>\r\n Check out our Meet YCI’s HerStart International Fellows\u00a0video series<\/a> to learn more!<\/p>\r\n What do I need to submit in the application process? <\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n The application form includes the submission of a CV, past writing or creative samples, and answers to a few long answer questions related to the themes and requirements of the program. Applicants can indicate which roles and countries they are most interested in being considered for. 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.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Explore current volunteer fellowship opportunities<\/p>\r\nWhy a HerStart Fellowship?<\/h2>\r\n
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Volunteer internationally with a comprehensive support package <\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n
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Experiences built for a better future<\/h2>\r\n
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<\/p>\r\nSteps to Become an International Fellow<\/h2>\r\n
Step 1: Application & Interview<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\nHear from our network<\/h2>\r\n
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<\/div>"The HerStart Fellowship pushed me to go further and expand on my capabilities. Participating in this opportunity is an excellent catalyst for building your confidence and abilities while contributing to something that truly matters."<\/div> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yci.org\/herstart\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/Landyn-with-Seamstress-reupload-scaled.jpg\")
<\/div>"I gained invaluable cross-cultural volunteer experience, as well as experience in program management, research, data analysis, reporting and presenting. I am confident that the knowledge and skills I gained over the past three months will equip me for any career path I choose to pursue going forward. "<\/div> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yci.org\/herstart\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/Screen-Shot-2023-09-27-at-9.10.02-PM.png\")
<\/div>"The most impactful and memorable takeaway from my HerStart Fellowship was co-creating a women\u2019s rights and responsibilities workshop. We researched women\u2019s issues in Uganda and discussed ways of balancing familial responsibilities alongside newfound economic empowerment."<\/div> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yci.org\/herstart\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/Sheilagh-Newland_2023-scaled.jpg\")
<\/div>"Collaborating with YCI\u2019s partner organization, Norsaac, as a HerStart Fellow was a life-changing experience. I had the opportunity to support development projects across Northern Ghana and I learned more about the realities of development work and where I fit in. The amount of knowledge and experience I gained in just three months was beyond anything I could have imagined. "<\/div> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yci.org\/herstart\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/Aarif.jpeg\")
<\/div>"My fellowship journey with YCI\u2019s HerStart program has been a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. Collaborating with inspiring young women social entrepreneurs, contributing to organizational growth and impact, and engaging in holistic training opportunities have shaped me into a more empowered and empathetic individual. "<\/div> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yci.org\/herstart\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/Screen-Shot-2023-09-27-at-11.18.52-PM.png\")
<\/div>"I had the chance to develop my podcasting, social media, videography and photography skills. I feel more independent, more adaptable, and more confident in my personal and professional abilities."<\/div> ![\"An](\"https:\/\/yci.org\/herstart\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2021\/01\/person-3.svg\")
<\/div>"The HerStart Fellowship experience has been amazing! I joined the program when I was still figuring out my next step and this experience turned out to be exactly what I needed. I got to meet and work with some incredible people from Canada, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda. I enhanced and developed new skills that I will take with me throughout my career and I got to contribute to a program that aligns with my values."<\/div> <\/div>"I had the opportunity to collaborate with an incredible international team of program designers, social entrepreneurship experts, in-country partners and other volunteer HerStart Fellows from across Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda and Canada. I learned from experts, honed new skills, and deepened my understanding of social and green entrepreneurship, women\u2019s empowerment, inclusive growth and design thinking."<\/div> ![\"An](\"https:\/\/yci.org\/herstart\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2021\/01\/person-2.svg\")
<\/div>"The HerStart Fellowship has been beneficial for my professional development and personal growth. The YCI team is highly passionate about supporting young people to find their passion in social impact and development work. This opportunity also exposed me to a network of other organizations and development practitioners who I had the chance to learn from. This was certainly an important step in my career."<\/div> <\/div>"The HerStart program allowed me to learn about topics like climate action, green entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship and gender equality while giving me the space to create innovative solutions to enhance the lives of women and their communities. This program also does a wonderful job in demonstrating Canada\u2019s leadership and commitment towards international development."<\/div> <\/div>"The HerStart Fellowship allowed me to experience a completely new context and speak with incredible individuals in Ghana to learn about their realities within the realm of women\u2019s social entrepreneurship through a human-centred lens. Acquiring the skills to work remotely, across cultures and time zones has been a standout piece, and I\u2019m eager to put it to use in the future!"<\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\nFAQ<\/h2>\r\n
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Get Started<\/h2>\r\n
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