HerStart International Fellowship 2025 at Saint Mary’s University, Canada
Are you a passionate and driven young Canadian woman eager to make a tangible impact on the lives of women entrepreneurs in developing countries? Do you dream of gaining invaluable international experience while contributing to a meaningful cause? Then the HerStart International Fellowship 2025 at Saint Mary’s University (SMU) in Halifax, Canada, could be the transformative opportunity you’ve been searching for!
The HerStart Innovate the Future program, led by Youth Challenge International (YCI) and supported by the Government of Canada, aims to empower 10,000 women in Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda by providing them with the social entrepreneurship training and networks needed to successfully launch and grow their businesses. To achieve this ambitious goal, HerStart leverages the skills and dedication of Canadian volunteers through its prestigious International Fellowship program.
What is the HerStart International Fellowship?
The HerStart International Fellowship offers a unique three-month placement opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to contribute directly to the HerStart program on the ground in either Ghana, Tanzania, or Uganda. As a Fellow, you’ll work alongside YCI’s dedicated teams and local partner organizations, gaining hands-on professional international development experience while making a real difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs.
This isn’t just about volunteering; it’s a chance to:
- Gain Meaningful Professional Experience: Immerse yourself in the international development and social entrepreneurship sectors.
- Expand Your Global Network: Connect with YCI staff, local partners, and fellow Fellows from diverse backgrounds.
- Contribute to a Powerful Mission: Directly support the economic empowerment of women in developing countries.
- Develop Crucial Skills: Enhance your cross-cultural communication, project management, teamwork, and leadership abilities.
- Focus on Key Impact Areas: Integrate your passion for Gender Equality, Climate Action, Social Innovation, or Human Rights into your fellowship role.
Who Can Embark on This Empowering Journey? Eligibility Criteria
The HerStart International Fellowship 2025 is open to enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who meet the following key criteria:
- Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Possess a strong passion for international development, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
- Demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Be available for a full three-month international placement in Ghana, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- Be enrolled in or have graduated from a post-secondary institution (or possess equivalent work experience).
- Have professional-level English language skills (both written and verbal).
- Have access to a personal laptop for use throughout the placement.
- Be able and ready to commit to the full term of engagement.
Diverse Fellowship Roles to Match Your Skills
The HerStart International Fellowship offers a variety of roles, allowing you to contribute your unique skills and interests:
- Program & Partnerships Fellow: Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of HerStart program activities and partnerships.
- Communications & Marketing Fellow: Contribute to the development and execution of communication strategies to raise awareness and promote the HerStart program.
- Research & Learning Fellow: Assist with data collection, analysis, and the development of learning resources to enhance program effectiveness.
- Social Entrepreneurship Fellow: Directly support the coaching and mentorship of women social entrepreneurs and assist with the HerStart Catalyst Fund grants.
Your Comprehensive Fellowship Experience: Benefits
YCI is committed to providing a valuable and enriching experience for its International Fellows. The comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Pre-departure Training: Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful placement.
- Post-placement Support: Receive guidance and resources for your reintegration back in Canada.
- Round-trip Airfare: Your travel costs to and from your placement country are covered.
- Visa and Health Insurance Coverage: Ensuring your health and safety during your fellowship.
- Monthly Living Stipend: To cover your basic living expenses during your three-month placement.
- Hands-on International Development Experience: Gain invaluable practical experience in the field.
- Opportunity to Focus on Impact Areas: Align your fellowship with your passion for gender equality, climate action, social innovation, or human rights.
Ready to Make a Global Impact? Apply Now!
This is your chance to contribute to a groundbreaking initiative, empower women entrepreneurs, and gain invaluable international experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a HerStart International Fellow 2025 and be part of a global movement for sustainable development.
The deadline to apply for the September 2025 cohort is June 2nd, 2025. Positions are offered on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best chance to secure your preferred role and placement.
For more detailed information on the fellowship roles, eligibility criteria, and the application process, please visit the official Youth Challenge International (YCI) website and the Saint Mary’s University Global Learning Office page.
Your journey to becoming a changemaker starts here!
Are You Ready to Lead? Understanding the HerStart Fellowship Eligibility
The HerStart International Fellowship at Saint Mary’s University in Canada, in partnership with Youth Challenge International (YCI), is an incredible opportunity for young Canadian women to contribute to women’s economic empowerment in Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda. If you’re passionate about making a tangible difference and gaining invaluable international experience, understanding the eligibility criteria is your first step.
While specific requirements might have slight variations depending on the year and the specific call for applications, here’s a general overview of who is typically eligible for the HerStart Fellowship:
The “Must-Haves”: Core Eligibility Criteria
These are the fundamental requirements you’ll likely need to meet to be considered for the HerStart International Fellowship:
- Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: This fellowship is specifically designed for individuals who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
- Passion for Impact: You should demonstrate a genuine interest in and commitment to international development, women’s empowerment, and social entrepreneurship. A clear articulation of this passion in your application is crucial.
- Strong Communication and Teamwork Skills: The fellowship involves working collaboratively with YCI staff, local partners, and fellow Fellows in a cross-cultural environment. Excellent communication (both written and verbal in English) and the ability to work effectively in a team are essential.
- Availability for a Full-Time International Placement: The HerStart Fellowship requires a significant time commitment. You must be available and willing to dedicate three months to an in-country placement in either Ghana, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- Educational Background (or Equivalent Experience): You are generally required to be either currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution, a recent graduate, or possess equivalent work experience relevant to the fellowship roles.
- Professional-Level English Proficiency: As the working language of the program and in the host countries, strong English language skills are a non-negotiable requirement.
- Access to a Personal Laptop: Fellows are expected to have their own laptop for use throughout the duration of the fellowship.
- Commitment to the Full Term: You must be able and willing to commit to the entire three-month placement, including any pre-departure training and post-placement debriefing activities.
What Can Give You an Edge: Desired Qualifications
While not always mandatory, these qualifications can strengthen your application:
- Previous Experience: Prior experience in international development, volunteering, community engagement, entrepreneurship, or working with diverse populations can be an asset.
- Knowledge of Relevant Issues: Understanding of gender equality, climate action, social innovation, and human rights – the key impact areas of HerStart – can be beneficial.
- Adaptability and Resilience: The ability to thrive in new and sometimes challenging environments is highly valued in international development work.
- Specific Skills: Depending on the fellowship role you apply for (e.g., communications, research, program support), specific skills in those areas will be advantageous.
- Fundraising Experience or Aptitude: Fellows may be encouraged to participate in fundraising efforts for the HerStart Catalyst Fund, demonstrating an ability or willingness to contribute in this area can be a plus.
Who is Encouraged to Apply?
The HerStart Fellowship encourages applications from young Canadian women from all academic and professional backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re a recent graduate eager to launch your career in international development or a young professional looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity, HerStart welcomes your application.
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you meet the core eligibility criteria and are excited about the prospect of empowering women entrepreneurs in Africa while gaining invaluable experience, the HerStart International Fellowship 2025 could be your perfect opportunity.