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Technology and communication at the heart of social change

You would like to participate in an international internship with one of Alternatives’ partners.

You want to advance Alternatives' and its allies’ work in the areas of social communications, information and communications technology (ICT), human rights and gender equality.

You are dynamic, curious and eager to have a rewarding intercultural experience.

This year, Alternatives offers you the chance to participate in a six-month internship with one of our partners in one of ten countries: South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Colombia, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Uganda, the Philippines, Tunisia or Sri Lanka.

Before your stay overseas, you will be required to attend a training programme that will better prepare you to carry out your internship mandate and to have a safe, enriching, intercultural and international experience. During the training, you will learn about the rights and challenges of communications, internet governance, cybersecurity and surveillance companies, work in an intercultural and international context, the socio-political realities in the countries where the internships will take place, an integrated approach to gender equality, and results-based management.

During your stay abroad, you will have the opportunity to work with men and women from different backgrounds to explore the power of ICT as a tool for social change, notably in the areas of innovative campaigns against violence against women, including violence enacted online and on social media. The issue of ICT and gender equality will be at the heart of your mandate.

Upon your return, training, reintegration and networking activities, as well as the creation of an interactive portfolio, will enhance your chances of finding a job that matches your interests and skills. You will also have the opportunity to promote your work, as well as that of Alternatives and its Southern partners, to the Canadian and international public through education and information activities.

If you are interested in applying, please note that the selection will be made on 24 May 2018.

The internships listed below involve a wide range of skills and experiences.

South Africa

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cameroon 

Colombia

Costa Rica

Malaysia

Uganda

Philippines

Sri Lanka

Tunisia

As part of this initiative, Alternatives is committed to providing each trainee with the following: 

  • Quality training that covers all aspects of the internship
  • Accommodation and transportation fees to facilitate the participation of trainees who live outside of the Greater Montreal area
  • International transportation fees, including transportation between the location of the internship and the airport
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation for the length of the stay
  • An allowance to cover daily expenses during the stay abroad
  • Vaccination fees
  • Coaching and support during the entire period of the internship
  • A training upon return to Canada, to facilitate and strengthen the trainee’s employability prospects.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the International Youth Internship Programme (IYIP), the candidate must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or be legally allowed to work in Canada.
  • Have a post-secondary diploma and have obtained a degree or diploma from a university, college, post-secondary technology school, post-secondary institute or CEGEP
  • Be between the ages of 19 to 30 when the final selection is made (when the contracts between the trainee and Alternatives are signed)
  • Have never participated in the IYIP.

Financed by the International Youth Internship Programme (IYIP) as part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, this initiative strives to:

  • Offer the young Canadians who are admitted to the program with an international experience, skills and knowledge that will prepare them for their future careers.
  • Increase employment opportunities by educating Canadian organisations about the benefits of integrating young Canadian professionals into their structures and programs.
  • Provide opportunities for young Canadians to promote Canada’s efforts in international development, both at home and abroad.


The International Youth Internship Programme (IYIP) is carried out with the support of the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

To apply, send your resume and a cover letter to psij@alternatives.ca or fill out this form.

For information: psij@alternatives.ca