Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I design the exchange structure and curriculum?

The programs are actually year-long and the exchange design has been in the works for months prior to the student’s arrival. The design is based on previous years’ experience and World Learning pedagogy. Many workshops have curriculum already developed. Leaders will be given curriculum and asked to update it to the students’ context and their particular skills. The full-time program team will review the different pieces and is responsible for overall curriculum flow. The leaders will be teaching constantly on the program, in between and during workshops. They are closest to the students and their experience and will be able to advocate for and shape any changes in approach throughout the week collaboratively with the team.

What does time off look like? How many hours will I work a day?

During the orientation and synthesis segments, leaders have between two and three chunks of time off per segment that are coordinated with the rest of team. The team is responsible for the students 24/7 and will trade off evening bed checks and morning wake-ups. You will be working between 15- and 18-hour days. During those working hours your responsibility level will vary depending on how many workshops you are leading and how the team chooses to split tasks, including following up with individual students.

During the host community segment, traveling leaders are expected to accompany the group’s program activities scheduled and coordinated by the host community partner, typically between around 8:30am and 5:30pm, oftentimes arriving early and staying late to accompany participants. During time not scheduled by the program (most evenings and most weekend days), participants will be with host families, and traveling leaders have personal time (individual lodging is provided by World Learning). While this segment of the program can be slower-paced and more restful for leaders, traveling leaders are always on-call during the host community segment, and should be prepared at all times to meet up with participants if necessary.

We understand that leaders have multi-faceted lives that sometimes require personal tasks outside of program responsibilities. However, past leaders have reported that they found it challenging to balance extensive outside responsibilities, such as applying for jobs or working on a master’s or PhD program.

Where do leaders stay during Staff Training and program?

During Staff Training, leaders stay in the shared dormitories on the World Learning campus, and should expect to share a room with at least one other leader. During the orientation segment of the program, leaders should expect to have their own dorm room, but will be staying in a building with participants (this may differ slightly for orientation segments that take place in location other than Brattleboro, Vermont). During the host community segment of the program, leaders should expect to have private lodging provided for them (typically in an AirBnB). On programs where there are two traveling leaders, they can expect to share that lodging. On some occasions, leaders may stay with friends or family in their assigned host city. During the synthesis segment of the program, leaders should expect to share a room with other leaders, and will stay in the same location as the participants.

How long has the program been in process before the temporary leaders join? What happens after?

At least 5 months of preparation have occurred before the exchange. After the exchange the students will be implementing community projects with the support of their adult mentors with a deadline of 6 months to 1 year after the exchange.

Do I have to speak the language of the students?

No, our programs are conducted in English and students are encouraged to speak it as much as possible to get the added benefit of language immersion. *IYLEP Arabic requires applicants to have Arabic language skills. Interpretation and translation skills are highly preferred.

Who are the participants?

Youth Programs participants are active in their communities and interested in increasing understanding across cultures. Many are from underserved populations that could not afford an international experience without a similar program. Programs may have Adult Mentor participants as well. These adults come from various walks of life, but have experience working with youth (in the classroom, community groups, etc.) and are interested in gaining deeper understanding in how to mentor and support young people in their own communities. Youth participants are between 15 and 18 years old; and Adult Mentors tend to be 25 years old or older. *IYLEP Undergraduate participants are between 21 and 24 years old.

Do I have to be a certain age to qualify for this job?

All hired leaders must be 21 years old by June 1, 2020. There is no age limit and we encourage everyone to apply.

Do I have to have outdoor technical skills?

No, while we spend time outside and are active, there is no technical skill required for this exchange for outdoor sports or adventuring.

I have x religion/allergy/disability, can I apply?

Yes. We know that this job requires stamina during long, energy-driven days, but it is also highly collaborative and planned to each staff’s needs and skills. We are more than happy to work with you to make sure your needs are met during the program. This may include specific time off, meals created separately, or a shift in how a task can be accomplished. It is the goal of World Learning and its partners to ensure the full and equal participation of everybody regardless of gender, race, sexual preference, disability or otherwise. It is our policy to make necessary, reasonable accommodations to ensure that our programs are accessible by both students and staff.

Do you have a question not answered on this webpage?

Contact [email protected].

Please note: We request that applicants contact us via email and not phone; due to our small staff and the large volume of applications we receive, we cannot field inquiry calls.