World Learning Youth Programs is now accepting applications for Youth Program Leaders for Summer 2026. These positions offer a unique opportunity to support international high school–aged youth in transformative leadership and peacebuilding exchanges across the United States—and, in some cases, abroad.
Each year, World Learning engages over 1,000 youth from around the world through programs combining leadership development, experiential learning, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Program Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping these experiences.
About the Programs
World Learning’s summer youth programs include:
- Short-term leadership and peacebuilding exchanges
- Orientation sessions, U.S. homestays with local partner organizations, and a capstone segment in Washington, D.C.
- Experiential learning workshops on global issues, civics, peacebuilding, and cross-cultural communication
- Opportunities for students to design and implement community-based projects post-program
Some programs also include American youth or take U.S. teens overseas.
Role: Youth Program Leader
Program Leaders guide diverse groups of teens through intensive educational and cultural programming. They:
- Ensure participant safety, wellbeing, and group cohesion
- Deliver dynamic workshops and actively facilitate group learning
- Support cross-cultural engagement and youth leadership development
- Coordinate logistics and represent World Learning in host communities in the U.S. (and occasionally abroad)
World Learning seeks individuals who are:
- Passionate about youth development
- Skilled in facilitation and experiential learning
- Flexible, resilient, energetic, and collaborative
- Committed to intercultural understanding and social justice
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate:
Experience & Skills
- Proven commitment to youth development
- Experience working with high school students (teaching, facilitation, camps, mentoring, outdoor learning, arts, etc.)
- Understanding of conflict transformation, leadership education, and intergroup dialogue
- Strong awareness of global issues, civics, and community engagement
- Excellent facilitation and public-speaking skills
- Cross-cultural experience or time spent abroad
- High emotional intelligence, humility, and willingness to learn
Requirements
- Eligibility to work in the U.S. (World Learning cannot sponsor visas)
- First Aid & CPR certification by June 1 (valid through September 1)
- Age 21 or older by June 1
- Valid U.S. driver’s license
- Ability to pass a background check
- Physical ability to fully participate in program activities
- Full availability during staff training and program dates
Responsibilities
Program Leaders support both educational and operational program needs:
Education & Facilitation
- Teach workshops (leadership, arts, civic engagement)
- Lead discussions, simulations, and team-building
- Facilitate small and large group activities
- Prepare and adapt learning materials quickly
Participant Support
- Monitor group dynamics, wellbeing, and safety
- Provide emotional support and conflict mediation
- Live in dorms with participants
- Lead daily check-ins, room checks, and activity transitions
- Travel with students during program segments
Program Administration
- Attend virtual prep calls and staff training
- Participate in team meetings
- Support logistics, budgeting, expense tracking, errands, and transportation
- Contribute photos and updates during the program
- Submit required evaluations and reports
Compensation & Benefits
- $3,000–$4,500 salary (depending on role and program length)
- Meals and housing during training and program
- Round-trip domestic travel to staff training (reimbursement policies vary)
- Reimbursement for CPR/First Aid certification (up to $105)
- Emergency travel insurance for programs abroad
- Access to World Learning’s global alumni network
- Eligibility for a $10,000 scholarship toward an SIT Graduate Institute Global Master’s degree
- Opportunity to continue working on non-summer youth programs after the first year
Senior Program Leader Role
More experienced applicants may be considered for Senior Program Leader positions, which include:
- Additional administrative and logistical responsibilities
- Support for staff team coordination and coaching
- More direct work with Program Officers
Preferred qualifications include: - Strong administrative skills
- Staff management experience
- Experience leading World Learning programs
- Deep background in experiential education
Application Timeline
- November 2025 – Applications open
- Nov–Jan – Rolling review
- Returning leaders priority deadline: Dec 8, 2025
- January 29, 2026 (11:59 PM EST) – Final application deadline
- Feb–Apr 2026 – Interviews and selection
- Apr–May 2026 – Hiring and onboarding
- Mid–Late June – Mandatory staff training
- July–August 2026 – Program implementation
- August 2026 – Post-program reporting
How to Apply
Submit the online application by January 29, 2026.
All inquiries must be emailed to groupleaders@worldlearning.org.
