Student & Graduate - International Volunteering

Placement Type: International volunteer

Duration: 3–12 months with flexible start date (indicate your preferred start date and availability in your application)

Location: Africa, Latin America, or the Caribbean (see below)

Language Requirements: Fluency in English, French or Spanish, depending on location

Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada Only

About the Volunteer Placement

Jumpstart your career with Cuso International. This international volunteer placement is designed for final‑year undergraduate students, graduate students, or recent graduates who are seeking immersive, hands‑on experience in global development.

Volunteers are placed with Cuso International partner organizations and contribute to locally led, sustainable development initiatives.

We invite you to tell us about your skills and how your academic background, education, volunteer experience, or professional experience can support our partners’ priorities.

Undergraduate‑Level Skills & Areas of Interest

(Final‑year undergraduate students and recent bachelor’s graduates)

• Communications & Digital Media (communications, social media, graphic design, content creation)
• Research & Knowledge Support (desk research, data collection, summaries, reporting support)
• Gender Equality, Youth & Community Development (GESI support, youth engagement, community wellbeing initiatives)
• Monitoring & Data Support (MEAL assistance, data analysis, documentation)
• Information Technology & Digital Support (IT support, data systems assistance, digital tools)
• Program & Administrative Support (coordination, planning assistance, logistics, reporting)

Graduate‑Level Skills & Areas of Interest

(Graduate students and recent master’s graduates)

• Business Development & Entrepreneurship (enterprise development, youth entrepreneurship, private sector engagement)
• Economic Development & Livelihoods (employability, workforce readiness, market‑based development, economic resilience)
• Partnership Development & Resource Mobilization (fundraising support, stakeholder engagement, partnership building)
• Program & Training Design (TVET, curriculum design, labour‑market alignment, training development)
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Measurement (MEAL design, learning frameworks, data analysis)
• Digital Systems & Data Strategy (information systems, digital transformation, data‑driven decision‑making)
• Environment, Climate Change & Sustainability (climate adaptation, environmental programming, sustainable development)

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities are adapted based on academic level, experience, and partner needs. Graduate-level volunteers may take on additional technical, analytical, or strategic responsibilities aligned with their expertise.

• Support the implementation of partner‑led programs, projects, and initiatives
• Contribute to research, data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Assist with planning, coordination, and documentation of activities, meetings, or trainings
• Support the development of communications and knowledge‑sharing materials, such as reports, briefs, presentations, or digital content
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities, including data tracking and reflection
• Apply academic knowledge and professional skills to strengthen partner capacity and systems
• Collaborate effectively within multicultural and cross‑cultural teams
• Participate actively in learning, reflection, mentoring, and professional development activities
• Uphold Cuso International’s values related to gender equality, inclusion, and ethical engagement

Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate relevant academic, volunteer, and/or work experience in one or more of the fields outlined above. Experience may include a combination of coursework, internships, placements, volunteer roles, student leadership, or paid employment.

What You’ll Gain

• International development experience in a professional setting
• Enhanced cross‑cultural, technical, and professional skills
• Deeper understanding of locally led development approaches
• Meaningful contribution to global social impact

Where You Can Volunteer

• Latin America (Spanish fluency required): Peru, Colombia, Honduras
• Caribbean (English required): Jamaica
• Africa (English fluency required): Ethiopia, Tanzania
• Africa (French fluency required): Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin

About Us

Cuso International (Cuso) is an international cooperation and development organization based in Canada that works to create social and economic opportunities for equity-deserving groups. Building on over sixty years of impactful work, we address global challenges by tackling the root causes of inequality. Working alongside our partners, we are focused on efforts to improve economic resilience, advance equity and inclusion for all, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Guided by our values of courage, inclusion, sustainability and accountability, Cuso combines innovative strategies and enduring partnerships to create lasting, meaningful change in communities across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada. 

Project: Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE)  

Benefits

Volunteer Support and Requirements 

Support Package

Cuso International provides a comprehensive support package to ensure volunteers maintain a modest and healthy lifestyle aligned with local standards. This includes: 

• Monthly living allowance 
• Accommodation 
• Health insurance (including required vaccinations and antimalarial medication) 
• Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs 
• Pre-placement, in-country and reintegration training (along with access to self-directed materials and online resources) 
• Ongoing local support 
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program during and after placement 

Selection and Screening

If you are shortlisted, you will need to: 

• Confirm passport or permanent resident details for travel 
• Provide two professional references and one personal reference 
• Complete a language assessment during the initial phone interview 
• Pass a police check and medical clearance before departure 
• Comply with anti-terrorism checks 
• Agree to uphold the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policy and Code of Conduct  

Residency and Citizenship: Candidates are responsible for confirming how volunteering internationally may affect their citizenship or residency status. Canadian Permanent Residents should verify requirements with Immigration Canada before travel. 

Inclusion and Accessibility: Cuso International welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and equity-deserving groups. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout recruitment and placement. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us for support. 

Ready to Make a Difference? Apply to volunteer today!