Brief Description:

The International Youth Internship Program 2024 (IYIP) is tailored for people ages 18 to 30 who are Indigenous, racialized, living with disabilities and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and are experiencing barriers to employment.

This year 10 participants will be placed in 3 YMCAs in Colombia; YMCA of Bogota, YMCA of Medellin and YMCA of Cali. YMCAs in Canada and YMCAs in Colombia have longstanding relationships that have been fostered through youth leadership programs and youth engagement in both regions. Interns will collaborate with local communities on projects related to international cooperation, such as environmental sustainability, mental health, education, and more.

This 7-month commitment involves 2 weeks of in-person pre-departure training, a 6 month in country internship placement, and a week-long reintegration training, accompanied by YMCA Career Planning and Pre-Employment Support.

- Pre-departure training: Both virtual and in-person, this process will enable participants to be successful in the field. Interns will complete training modules around a variety of topics including International Cooperation, Innovation and Safety and Security as well as be provided with YMCA Career Exploration services.

- 6-month internship: Interns will work in partnership with the YMCAs in Bogota, Medellin or Cali in a variety of focus areas, ranging from Environmental Stewardship, Education, Community Development, Youth Leadership and other Community Outreach and Development initiatives. Permanent support will be offered from Canada throughout the experience.

- Reintegration training: Interns will be provided with a week-long training period to prepare them to reintegrate to their home-environment. They will be provided with employment development training, mental health support, and other training modules designed to enable success when reintegrating to life at home. Additionally, interns will be provided with YMCA Career Exploration services.

- Pre-employment services support: Interns will receive support in the months after the program throughout their search for employment. They will be provided with career planning, pre-employment support and leadership in their next-steps after participating in the internship.

The IYIP covers: all flights, visa fees, vaccinations and travel medicines, allowance to cover in-country food, transportation and communications, all accommodations in country, food and accommodation for in-person pre-departure training and reintegration training, Spanish classes.

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