| IYIP Frequently Asked Questions |
1) What is the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP)?
- To provide eligible youth with international experience, skills and knowledge that will prepare them for future employment in a knowledge-based economy;
- To increase employment oppotunities by promoting awareness among Canadian organizations of the advantage o integrating young Canadian professionals into their structures and programs;
- To provide opportunities for Canadians to increase their awareness, deepen their understanding and engage in international development; and
- To contribute to the advancement of CIDA's mandate (reducing poverty, promoting human rights and increased sustainable development) and to meeting CIDA's priorities for Official Development Assistance.
2) Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the IYIP, an intern must be:
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- A post-secondary graduate - graduate of a degree or diploma from a university, college, post-secondary school of technology, post secondary institute or a CEGEP;
- Out of school;
- Unemployed or underemployed; and
- Legally entitled to work in Canada.
Please note: You are not eligible to participate in this program is you have already held an internship position or an international work placement under the Career Focus Program of the Youth Employment Strategy (YES).
3) Are the internship positons paid?
Each intern receives a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. In addition, CCA will cover the costs of domestic and international travel, health insurance, immunizations and visas.
4) How long are the internships?
Internships are between 6 and 12 months. After the first 6 months, interns can apply for an extension of up to another 6 months.
5) Do I receive any training before beginning my internship?
Interns will receive cross-cultural trainnig from the Centre for Intercultural Learning as well as an in-depth CCA orientation before leaving for their international placements.
6) How do I apply?
Send a cover letter that explains which CCA internship you are applying for and why, your résumé and a completed CCA application form to internships@coopscanada.coop.
7) When is the next application deadline?
The deadline for applications for the 2010/2011 IYIP has passed. We will post a new deadline for applying for the 2011/2012 program in late spring 2011.
8) What kind of work will I do?
CCA will post positions and job descriptions as soon as they are approved. Please check back often for postings and application deadlines. Interns for the 2010/2011 IYIP held a range of positions including: Credit Union Development Officer, Gender Program Officer, Micro Enterprise Development Officer, Peace and Conflict Assessment Officer, HIV/AIDS Officer, Research and Systems Development Officer, Communications Officer, Value-Addition Officer, Assistant Community Support Officer, Assistant Administration Officer, Assistant Community Support Officer.
9) What are the expectations upon my return?
Interns must be prepared to pursue employment upon their return to Canada. CCA staff will assist with job search strategies. We also ask that interns make themselves available for public engagement activities following their return.
10) How can I book an intern to speak at my next meeting?
To book an intern to speak at your next meeting, please contact the development education co-ordinator nearest to you.
Laurie Tennian (laurie.tennian@coopscanada.coop) - Ontario, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick
Karen Timoshuk (karen.timoshuk@coopscanada.coop) - Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Colombia
11) How is this program funded?
The International Youth Internshiop Program (IYIP) is funded and supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), through the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES).
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