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In an office cubicle, a woman sits at a computer workstation and types on a keyboard. A pair of large headphones rest around her neck. Next to her, a colleague sits at another workstation. They are reviewing something work related on the computer monitor.

CNIB International Youth Internship Program

Internships are a fantastic way to gain valuable work experience and develop skills while building your resume. CNIB’s International Youth Internship Program will allow you to do this a global scale – offering young people in Canada the opportunity to gain international work experience through an internship placement with a Caribbean organization. 

The CNIB International Youth Internship Program offers multiple internship placements for youth (ages 18-30) who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision; or have a sensory, print or perceptual disability. Placements will be either in-person or virtual (based on intern’s accommodation needs) with international disability-serving partner organizations in Jamaica, Guyana, Saint Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Placements

Interns will work with local, established, charitable advocacy or service provision organizations in Jamaica, Guyana, Saint Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda that focus on inclusivity, diversity and equity initiatives, with specific emphasis on serving the blindness populations in their host countries.

Interns will work on activities related to service delivery in rehabilitation, global health, public policy, health initiative programs and social inclusion programs. Activities may be focused on program development and execution, capacity building, philanthropy and fundraising, information and technology, social media and/or research. 

Internships can be conducted either in-person or remote, based on the applicant's accommodation needs. 

  1. In-person internships are located in one of four Caribbean countries: Jamaica, Guyana, Saint Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda. All program-related expenses, including airfare, transportation, visa and passport fees, health insurance, as well as on-site living cost, are covered by CNIB – however, the internship is unpaid.
  2. Home based internships are fully remote (virtual), allowing interns to work from anywhere in Canada. These positions offer a competitive pay rate of $24/hour.

Commitment 

Interns will complete 35 hours of work each for 12 weeks including: 

  • Three weeks of onboarding and training.
  • Eight weeks of placement with international organization. 
  • One week of reflection and debriefing activities.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will differ depending on placement and organizational needs. Interns may:

  • Support host organization through assigned daily responsibilities and duties.
  • Engage in disability-inclusive international development and research activities, as assigned.
  • Manage a project designated by the host organization. This may include research, business administration, human resources, marketing, communications, program creation and management, and more.
  • Engage in learning and mentorship activities.
  • Prepare plain language and accessible documents.
  • Attend project meetings with host organization members and preceptor, as required.
  • Attend regular meetings with the CNIB International Youth Internships team.
  • Conduct academic literature searches and create formal reviews
  • Develop and engage in knowledge translations activities.
  • Other related administrative duties as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Additionally, CNIB will equip youth participants with the resources, training, and guidance they need to succeed and thrive in the workforce. 

Experience and Qualifications

The CNIB International Youth Internship program is designed to empower participants to discover their full potential. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who share a desire to embrace new opportunities, challenge themselves, learn, grow, and make an impact. Whatever your current skill level, we will match you with a placement that aligns with your abilities and supports your professional ambitions. 

  • Excellent written and communication skills
  • Ability to work with multiple deadlines
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 suite (or equivalent) and communication technologies (Zoom/Teams)
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment
  • Knowledge of accessibility, inclusion, and disability is an asset 
  • Knowledge of the international disability rights movement is an asset 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the CNIB International Youth Internship program, you must be:

  • Blind, Deafblind, or have low vision; or have a sensory, print or perceptual disability.
  • Ages 18-30. 
  • A Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Highly motivated, independent and able to demonstrate a reasonable level of personal achievement.

How to apply

Applicants will be asked to complete an online application form and submit the following:

  • Resume: Maximum two pages. 
  • Cover Letter: Include two professional references with contact information. Friends and family cannot be used as references.
  • Responses to the following four questions:
    • 1. What is your understanding of disability inclusive international development and advancement? (150 words or less)
    • 2. Why do you think you are an excellent candidate for this internship program? (150 words or less)
    • 3. What is your experience with inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility? (200 words or less)
    • 4. What was your most meaningful extracurricular experience? What did you learn from it? (250 words or less)
  • Formatting: Submit all documents in Word format (e.g., .doc or .docx) and Use Arial or Verdana font, minimum 12-point size, single-spaced. PDFs will not be assessed. CNIB recognizes and supports each applicant’s diverse accessibility needs. Surpassing the page, spacing, and font limits for accessibility reasons is acceptable. 
  • Apply now! To apply for an internship with the CNIB Youth Internship Program, please either complete the online application form or email your completed application to Michael Trolio, Program Manager, International Youth Internships at michael.trolio@cnib.ca. 
  • Application closes March 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. 

Information Sessions

On the fence about applying for an internship? Want to talk through the program and placement opportunities? Join us for an online webinar where we’ll share an overview of the program, what’s involved, and what’s in it for you!

  • Thursday, March 13 at 7 p.m. EDT
  • Thursday, March 30 at 11 p.m. EDT

To register for a session, please email michael.trolio@cnib.ca. Zoom information will be shared after registering. If the above dates do not work with your schedule, Michael can schedule a session at a time that is convenient for you.

Questions?

For more information about the CNIB International Youth Internship Program, contact Michael Trolio, Program Manager, International Youth Internships at michael.trolio@cnib.ca or call 613-449-0466.