ACIC International Youth Internship Program

Results achieved as of the end of the project (March 2017) include: (1) 40 interns (31 female and 9 male) have been recruited and sent abroad for a six months internship in the following sectors: gender food security democracy micro-finance and poverty-reduction health and education. Prior to their departure interns received training on multiple operational aspects including health and safety competencies of inter-culturally effective persons culture shock and public engagement activities; (2) out of the 40 interns 38 interns (30 female and 8 male) have successfully completed their internship and have contributed to the international development efforts of local partners; (3) upon their return to Canada 35 interns (27 female and 8 male) participated in debrief and re-integration sessions. These sessions included how to share the experience with family professional and community identify and articulate intercultural competencies and job search; (4) 38 interns facilitated public engagement activities in Canada including workshops and talks facilitated with staff and volunteers of the Canadian organization; and presentations in high schools; and (5) at the end of their internship 36 interns (28 female and 8 male) reported an increased level of confidence in their ability to secure employment post-internship. 21 interns have found a job including 12 interns in the field of international development.