International Seminarist - Researcher | Sri Lanka

*Eligibility Requirements: Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada only*

Are you passionate about improving economic opportunities for young people globally? Do you have research and youth leadership skills to contribute? Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada between the ages of 18 and 30?

WUSC invites you to participate in the 79th International Seminar in Kandy, Sri Lanka from July 3 to August 3, 2025. This unique opportunity will bring together youth from Canada and Sri Lanka to collaborate on innovative research focused on modernizing the craft sector. Through this youth-led seminar, you'll contribute to meaningful change, engage in cross-cultural collaboration, and help shape the future of the global craft industry. As WUSC’s flagship event, the International Seminar empowers young leaders worldwide, creating a platform to learn, share ideas, build lasting relationships, and address important global issues.

Apply today to be part of a transformative journey and have a global impact on youth empowerment!

Roles and Responsibilities

• Take part in conversations, online meetings, pre-assignment training and activities with other International Seminar participants prior to the start of the Seminar (July 3, 2025)
• Actively participate in research, workshops, focus groups, interviews, and peer-led activities during the Seminar
• Share and exchange with Seminar participants on how youth can contribute to the modernization of the craft sector in Sri Lanka
• In collaboration with the other participants, develop a comprehensive report summarizing research findings and systems thinking insights
• Share your Seminar experience during outreach activities in Sri Lanka
• Prepare and draft reports as required by the Seminar coordinator and the IGNI+E Volunteer Cooperation Program Team
• Participate in pre-assignment training
• Participate in public engagement initiatives before, during, or after the assignment. Volunteers will be equipped with the tools, training, and support to achieve these goals. The scope and nature of these activities are to be defined in collaboration with the seminar participants
• Set up a personalized volunteer fundraising page on the WUSC fundraising platform and share it in your networks. Volunteers will be supported with the tools, training and support to achieve the fundraising goal.

Experience and Qualifications

• Youth between the ages of 18-30
• Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
• Commitment to do at least one activity that contributes to meeting a fundraising target of $1,500 by June 1, 2025. Additional efforts to meet the $1,500 target are strongly encouraged, and supported by WUSC with training and practical resources.
• Commitment to the mandatory pre-event training, to the 4-week event (full-time from July 3 – August 3), and to public engagement activities designed to inform the Canadian population, with the scope and nature of these activities to be defined in collaboration with the seminar participants
• Strong problem-solving and research skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as part of a remote working group
• A commitment to gender equality, youth inclusion, and international volunteering
• Flexibility, adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Written and oral fluency in English.

Project Description

Volunteering for development is one of the important ways in which WUSC pursues its mission. The IGNI+E project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, supports over 70 partner organizations to advance gender equality and the economic empowerment of 1.2 million youth around the world. IGNI+E harnesses the knowledge, capacity and expertise of skilled Canadians through volunteer assignments and public engagement activities to assist partners in improving their performance, advocating for gender equality, and implementing more sustainable, innovative and inclusive initiatives and services for poor and marginalised youth, particularly young women. Overseas, our volunteers collaborate with a wide variety of partners, including enterprise and social enterprise development incubators, skills training centres, women’s organizations, and youth groups. In Canada, WUSC works with institutions and individuals to identify, prepare, and support volunteers who travel overseas to support our partners. Our network in Canada also works with WUSC to raise awareness among Canadians to inspire greater action on global development issues. Our collective focus is on sustainable and inclusive changes to create a better world for youth.

Partner Description

WUSC has been working in Sri Lanka for over 30 years in youth education and economic opportunities, as well as in gender equality and social inclusion. WUSC Sri Lanka has engaged Canadian volunteers through the Volunteer Cooperation Program and implemented its program through local partners. The WUSC Sri Lanka Team has built strong relationships with local NGOS, CSOs, communities, government ministries and departments. In addition to the Volunteer Cooperation Program (2020-2028), WUSC Sri Lanka is also implementing the Growth, Resilience, Investment and Training project (GRIT) project (2022-2029).

Support Package

• Support and guidance from the WUSC Volunteer Mobilization Team prior to departure and from WUSC Country Team while on assignment
• Pre-departure training to learn about the volunteering for development program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and network with other volunteers
• In-country orientation upon arrival in country of assignment
• Language training in country of assignment, where required
• Modest monthly living and accommodation allowance
• Airfare to and from the assignment country
• Visa/work permit
• Pre-departure medical exam
• Health insurance
• Vaccinations and antimalarial medication
• Criminal record verification
• Vacation leave entitlement
• Debriefing after completion of assignment
• An incredible opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to global development, enhance your professional skills and participate in an experience of a lifetime!