In this section, you’ll find answers to all your questions about Alternatives’ 2024-2029 ISYP
What does Alternatives do?
Alternatives is a solidarity organization working for justice and economic, social, political, civil, cultural and environmental rights in Quebec, Canada and elsewhere in the world. We support citizen action and the autonomous contribution of popular and social movements in building sustainable societies. Alternatives participates in local and international mobilizations to strengthen collective rights.
Since its creation in 1994, Alternatives has organized solidarity internships to strengthen the work of its international partners, train young people in international cooperation and solidarity, and raise awareness of global issues among the Quebec/Canadian public. In almost 30 years of its existence, Alternatives has hosted over 1,500 young interns.
What is the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP)?
The International Youth Internship Program is funded by Global Affairs Canada to offer young people the opportunity to gain work experience in the international development sector. This internship is accompanied by an in-depth process aimed at ensuring participants employability upon their return.
What’s special about an internship with Alternatives?
All Alternatives internships are with NGOs that, among other things, use media and communications technologies (ICTs) to promote equality and social justice, while specializing in international development, human rights and the right to education. With a mission to promote international cooperation and solidarity while respecting the needs of each partner, interns have the chance to work with individuals from different backgrounds who uphold the values of social change, the fight against violence against women, environmental protection and access to education for all.
In which countries are internships carried out?
IYIP internships are with local NGOs in 18 different countries: Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of Congo (online in Quebec), Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Senegal, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.
How much does it cost?
Practically nothing! The internship is funded by Global Affairs Canada, and costs are covered before and during the stay (mandatory vaccinations in the host country, air and ground transportation, visas, accommodation, food).
Is it paid?
All PSIJ internships are voluntary and therefore unpaid. However, each intern receives a per diem to cover the cost of living once arrived in the country. It includes food and its amount will be determined according to the economic conditions of each host country. During pre-departure training, trainees will receive a daily allowance.
How long do internships last?
IYIP internships last three months with a partner organization abroad. In addition, we offer mandatory pre-departure training in communications technology, media and human rights, international development. This includes 12 days of in-person training, in French only, at our Montreal offices, or online if candidates are unable to travel. Upon their return, interns are also invited to take part in workshops aimed at raising their profile with potential employers by creating an interactive portfolio and improving their CVs and cover letters. These two-week workshops are designed to boost their chances of finding a job that matches their interests and skills.
During the internship, where are interns housed?
Depending on the host country, trainees are housed in apartments with their colleagues (sometimes in shared rooms), in bed and breakfast accommodation or with host families (sometimes in shared rooms too). Please note that we always send trainees in groups of two.
What kind of interns are we looking for?
We’re looking for applications from people interested in the many aspects of international solidarity: communication, training, empowerment, research, document management, graphic design, human rights, environmental rights, and so on.
That said, we are primarily looking for committed individuals who are interested in issues related to gender equality, human rights, the right to education, environmental protection and who are looking for an enriching intercultural experience.
What are the requirements for participating in the IYIP?
To be eligible for the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP), the candidate must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Face barriers to employment by belonging to or identifying with a group of people who face discrimination such as people living with a disability, Aboriginals, racialized youth and members of the 2ELGBTQI+ community ;
- Be 18 to 30 (inclusively) at the time of final selection (i.e. at the time the intern and Alternatives sign the contract);
- Have never participated in the ISYP.
IMPORTANT NOTICE :
- If you participated in the Indigenous Youth International Internship Program (IYIP), you are eligible for this new iteration of the IYIP.
- If you have previously participated in the International Youth Internship Program, BUT were repatriated∙e due to the Covid in Spring 2020, you can do a new internship under the formula that suits you, either virtual or face-to-face, provided you were repatriated∙e midway through or before your internship.
- If you’ve done a virtual internship in the past, you can do a new in-person internship.
- If you’ve already done an internship abroad, you can’t do the virtual internship, as this is more of an adaptation measure. Nor can you repeat an internship abroad.
What are the dates to remember?
Application deadline:
- January 6, 2025 for the Spring 2025 cohort (departure early March 2025)
- April 25, 2025 for the fall 2025 cohort (departure early September 2025)
Pre-departure Training: to be announced
For more information or to apply, visit our section Offres de stage (you will find an english version for each internship mandate)
Follow our trainees in the field on Instagram! : @psij_alternatives
Contact:
Email : psij@alternatives.ca
Phone : 514-982-6606 #2247 or #2236
