AKFC International Youth Fellowship 2023

AKFC is searching for individuals who can demonstrate a commitment to international development, are driven by the desire to make a meaningful change in the world, and are ready to apply their skills and experience to a challenging overseas internship.

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Since 1989, more than 500 young individuals have participated in AKFC’s International Youth Fellowship Program – an extraordinary opportunity to become a leader in global development. The Fellowship offers an international development training program and an eight-month overseas placement to recent university graduates and young professionals who are 30 years of age or younger. Each Fellow spends eight months in Africa or Asia working with agencies and partners of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the world’s largest and most respected international development agencies. Before Fellows depart for their eight-month overseas placement, they attend a 3-week-long pre-departure Management Seminar which provides a unique forum for intellectual engagement and workshops to develop knowledge and skills related to the overseas placement. The practitioner-oriented seminar is intended to prepare Fellows for their placements and equip them with skills and perspectives that will benefit them in a career in international development. Workshops are taught by some of Canada’s foremost international cooperation practitioners. Workshops are facilitated by leading international development professionals, based in Canada and overseas.

Aga Khan Foundation Canada is currently anticipating that the next round of the International Youth Fellowship Program, commencing in June 2023, will involve travel and field placements in AKDN countries of operation in Africa and Asia. The decision on whether to send successful candidates overseas will be reviewed prior to the commencement of the program, with a final decision to be made based on public health guidelines in Canada and in the countries of placement.

Founded in 1989, the AKFC International Youth Fellowship program is a 9-month professional development program for Canadians seeking hands-on experience in international development. The Fellowship includes three unique streams: International Development Management (IDM) and International Microfinance and Microenterprise (IMM). Fellows are placed with field partners in over 13 different countries.