YMCA OF GREATER TORONTO | INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

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).

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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 is designed for youth ages 18 to 30 who are Indigenous, racialized, living with disabilities, or 2SLGBTQIA+ — especially those facing barriers to employment.

Through a three- to six-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 and strengthen skills for professional settings while contributing to social development Gain international experience without prior work or education requirements
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

Who Should Apply?

IYIP is for youth who are curious, adaptable, and eager to gain international experience in community development. Ideal candidates are open-minded, ready to apply their skills abroad, and seeking meaningful employment opportunities. Interns will navigate new environments, adapt to different cultures, and embrace challenges like climate, local customs, local language and workplace norms.

Skills for Success:

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

Work experience or formal education is not a requirement for this program. Language classes will be provided for participants placed in Colombia and Peru.

Attend an Information Session:
February 12, 4 pm–5 pm EST
March 5, 10 am–11am EST
March 26, 12 pm–1 pm EST
April 16, 12 pm–1 pm EST

Application and Participation Process

IYIP is a seven-ten month commitment involving three weeks of virtual training, one week of in-person pre-departure training, a three to six months in-country internship placement, and reintegration training, accompanied by YMCA Career Planning and Pre-Employment Support and public engagement activities.

Application form: Fill out all the required information on the form.
Screening call: Expect a phone call at the number you provide on the application.
Interview: After a successful screening call, the next step is an interview with the IYIP team.
Provide semi-professional/professional references: We'll contact your references if your participant candidacy continues after the interview.
Attend an informative interview from the IYIP team: join a call where the IYIP team will provide program details and answer any questions you may have
Complete a Candidate Profile: following the informative interview, fill out a candidate profile to share your skills and motivations.
Interviews with local partners: if shortlisted, you will meet virtually with one or more of our host organizations abroad to ensure a good placement fit.
Complete YMCA Career Planning Assessments: you will be asked to complete online assessments to help us understand your strengths, goals and learning preferences.
Review and sign IYIP Participant Agreement: if selected for the program, review and sign the official agreement outlining your responsibilities and commitments as a participant.
Provide a police reference check: Successful candidates must provide the IYIP team with a Vulnerable Sector Check police report.
Onboarding process: undergo an onboarding process that includes visa applications, travel clinic visits, and more.
Pre-departure training: Before departure, you must attend all virtual and in-person workshops and training.
Departure: You will depart for the three - to six-month placement abroad.
Re-orientation sessions: When you return to Canada, you will be expected to participate in re-orientation process.
Pre-employment services support: You’ll receive support from YMCA Employment Services for three months after you return.
Public engagement activities: During the program, you will work on an individual project with the intention of sharing your experience as a participant with the public in Canada

Key Dates

Accepting applications on an ongoing basis!

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

See what our participants have to say about their experience with IYIP.

“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