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Interested in Applying for Cohort 3 in January 2026?
Welcome to the IYIP HUB!
Welcome to the IYIP HUB!
The Empowerment Squared IYIP program, delivered in partnership with McMaster University and local partners Schools of Dreams, the Youth Bridge Foundation, and the Liberian Learning Center, leverages internship placements in Ghana and Liberia as its vehicle to deliver this growth.
Follow the journey of our interns as they engage in community-driven research, work with local partners, and develop valuable professional and soft skills to enhance their career clarity and set them apart in their future careers.
A Day in
the Life
A Day in
the Life
A day in the life of an IYIP intern can be pretty unpredictable, and therein lies the learning! IYIP interns are immersing themselves in real-world problem-solving. All while navigating all the nuances of their new environment.
Think you can handle the unexpected? Navigate real intern scenarios in our interactive experience and see how you’d respond!
What To Expect
What To Expect
Beyond the invaluable professional skills, one thing you'll be excited about is the personal growth that comes from this unique experience. IYIP internships aren’t just about technical skills - it’s also about soft skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and intercultural communication. Some key lessons so far?
Resilience – When things don’t go as planned, learning to pivot is key.
Empathy – Working alongside communities requires deep listening and respect.
Networking – Interns are meeting professionals and researchers who may shape their future careers.
Confidence – Stepping into a leadership role abroad builds self-assurance and independence.
Adapting to living abroad is not a small shift, and the interns have faced their share of challenges—from differing social norms to adapting to logistical realities and working in communities with resource constraints.
“My fellow interns and I learned how to budget our funding, how to call a taxi, and how to address rural communities with respect. The importance behind each of these things are meant to help us assimilate into the culture here.”
“My fellow interns and I learned how to budget our funding, how to call a taxi, and how to address rural communities with respect. The importance behind each of these things are meant to help us assimilate into the culture here.”
~ Joseanne Antonio De Almeida, Intern and current Honors student in Political Science
Is IYIP for you?
Is IYIP for you?
Take our survey's to learn more about what an internship really is
and what it takes to be an IYIP Intern.
Take our survey's to learn more about what an internship really is
and what it takes to be an IYIP Intern.
Our Host Countries
Our Host Countries
Our internship placements are split between two beautiful West African countries - Ghana and Liberia. Embarking on this journey, you'll discover the rich histories and cultures of your placement, each offering a unique backdrop to your internship experience.
How much do you know about each country?
How much do you know about each country?
Our Partners
Our Partners
Learn more about our team of partners.
Interns Corner
Interns Corner
Visit the Interns' Corner to find out what they're listening to, thinking about, and working on.
Where does Cohort 2 want to go?
Where does Cohort 2 want to go?
From the Expressions of interest received for Cohort 2 so far, who's in the lead?
Want to join?
Want to join?
Application for Cohort 3 is now open!
Be part of a global experience that builds leadership, community and impact. Apply now to join Cohort 3 and take your journey to the next level!
Application for Cohort 3 is now open!
Be part of a global experience that builds leadership, community and impact. Apply now to join Cohort 3 and take your journey to the next level!
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