Welcome to the Alternatives International Youth Internship Program main page!
Objectives
In the continuity of the many initiatives we have carried out with young people in Quebec and Canada over the last thirty years, Alternatives, with the help of the International Young Internship Program (IYIP) of Global Affairs Canada, expresses a real desire to train the next generation in the field of solidarity and international cooperation.
Each year, for the next 5 years, this program offers young Canadians confronted with discrimination the opportunity to take part in three-month internships with partner organizations in 17 countries.
The 2024-2029 edition of the internship program enables selected youngs to acquire:
- Professional experience abroad (or in some cases virtually) in the field of international development, education and gender equality, but also in communications, human rights, the right to education, environmental protection, action research and advocacy development.
- Skills that prepare them for future employment or further study.
Project course
There will be two cohorts around 30 trainees each, one starting at the beginning of March and the other at the beginning of September each year. For the 1st cohort in 2025, applications can be submitted from September 10, 2024.
Training in Montreal
Before leaving, selected candidates have the chance to take part in a 12-day professional pre-departure training led by recognized trainers in their field, during which various themes will be addressed. IYIP also aims to help participants integrate into the job market when they return. As part of this, participation in the program includes workshops designed to improve interviewing skills and strengthen job search tools.
Duration of internships abroad and in Quebec
IYIP internships last three months in a partner organization abroad or virtually in Quebec, to enable people with mobility problems or family obligations to participate in the program.
Compensation
All IYIP internships are voluntary and therefore unpaid. However, each intern receives a per diem including transportation costs (air and ground) and also the cost of living once arrived in the country (including food). The amount of the per diem will be determined according to the economic conditions of each host country. During pre-departure training, trainees will receive a daily allowance.
Target countries
The program targets 17 countries in the Global South, including several in Central and South America, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and South Asia. Here is the list of countries and mandates, click on the links to find out more.
| Central and South America | Africa | Asia |
|---|---|---|
 Argentina |  Benin (Porto-Novo 1) |  India |
 Brazil | Benin (Porto-Novo 2) |  Malaysia |
 Costa Rica (San Jose) |  Cameroon |  Nepal |
 Guatemala | Ivory Coast (to come) |  Philippines |
 Honduras (Tegucigalpa) |  Lesotho |  Sri Lanka |
 DRC (online) | ||
| Senegal (to come) | ||
 Tunisia |
Selection process
Trainees are selected after analysis of the applications submitted via our registration form. After the application deadline and if all documents are provided, those selected for an interview are contacted.
IMPORTANT: you must be aged between 18 and 30 and have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency to participate in the program, and never have been accepted to IYIP in the past. However, certain specific conditions allow you to apply. These conditions are described in each internship offer. In addition, you’ll need to make sure you have a passport that will be valid for at least 6 months after you return from your internship abroad.
For full program details, visit our FAQ section by clicking here.
Application deadline :
January 6, 2025 for the Spring 2025 cohort (starting early March 2025)
April 25, 2025 for the Fall 2025 cohort (departing early September 2025)
If you have any further questions, please contact us by :
Email: psij@alternatives.ca
Telephone: 514-982-6606 #2247 or #2236
