Emerging Leaders Program | Veterinarians Without Borders
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Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) offers strongly supported international volunteer placements to recent university graduates, young professionals, and students currently enrolled in Veterinary School or a Graduate program.

The Emerging Leaders Program (formerly the Young Volunteer Program) offers strongly supported international volunteer placements to recent university graduates, young professionals, and students currently enrolled in Veterinary School or a Graduate program.

These placements are part of the VETS program (Volunteers Engaged in Gender-Responsive Technical Solutions) and volunteers contribute to the mission of VWB/VSF by working with and supporting our partner organizations. The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) offers participants additional guidance throughout their assignments — such as ongoing training from experienced veterinarians who act as technical advisors for the vet student placements.

The ELP helps improve food security and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Global South. To achieve this, ELP volunteers contribute to activities that help strengthen the skills, knowledge, and capacity of our partners, and in return, gain opportunities to learn and grow in a cross-cultural setting.

ELP volunteer placements are fully funded, thanks to the generous support of Global Affairs Canada!

Application is now closed for the 2025 Emerging Leaders Program. Check back in September, 2025 for the 2026 positions and application information.

Program Details:

  • Fully-funded volunteer placements of 3 months from early-May to mid-August.
  • Join an ELP team and work together with other university students and young professionals.
  • Volunteer with one of our VETS program partners in Cambodia, Ghana, Kenya, or Laos.
  • Take part in pre-departure orientation in Ottawa in early May.
  • Engage the Canadian public during and after your placement to raise awareness about Canada's involvement in international development.

Participant eligibility:

  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
  • Must have completed a Bachelor's Degree, at minimum.
  • Current university student enrolled in Veterinary School or Graduate Program. Or a recent university graduate who completed their degree within the last 3 years.
  • Background in animal health, dairy management, health risk assessment, biosecurity, horticulture, monitoring and evaluation, disease management, veterinary medicine, gender equality, communications, and more.
  • Vaccination against COVID-19 as per airline or assignment country requirements and able to provide proof should the airline or assignment country immigration authority request it.

Volunteer Support Package:

VWB offers you an incredible experience to take part in an international volunteer experience where you will expand your personal and professional skills while contributing to global development. VWB commits to supporting you throughout your volunteer journey and will cover the majority of the costs involved in being an overseas volunteer, including:

  • Return airfare to placement country
  • Pre-departure training
  • In-country orientation upon arrival in country of placement
  • Return airfare to placement country
  • Visa/permit costs
  • The cost of required for vaccinations and anti-malarial medication
  • Overseas emergency travel health insurance
  • A monthly living allowance (MLA) that will be paid into the volunteer’s bank account in Canada. The MLA is designed to be sufficient to cover simple housing, basic food requirements, and other typical monthly living expenses.
  • Debrief after the placement

2025 ELP Placements:

Are you interested in volunteering with the Emerging Leaders Program? Check back in September, 2025 for details about the 2026 ELP. 

Questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out: volunteer@vwb.org 

What makes an effective volunteer?

Beyond the technical skills necessary for volunteer placements, we seek individuals who embody a growth mindset and bring a genuine passion for contributing to meaningful change.

Effective volunteers possess a positive attitude and the ability to demonstrate the following key competencies:

  • Self-awareness and self-confidence: Volunteers should have a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for growth, allowing them to navigate challenges with confidence and humility.
  • Communication and collaboration: The ability to engage with diverse teams, listen actively, and share knowledge effectively is crucial for building strong relationships and achieving common goals.
  • Independence and a proactive approach: Volunteers are expected to take initiative and work autonomously while also recognizing when to ask for support or guidance.
  • Adaptability, resilience, and comfort with uncertainty: International placements often present unpredictable situations, and successful volunteers embrace these challenges with flexibility and a problem-solving mindset.
  • Intercultural and gender sensitivity: Volunteers must be able to engage respectfully with different cultures and communities, promoting inclusion and understanding across gender lines to ensure equitable participation in projects.

These competencies enable volunteers to thrive in dynamic, cross-cultural environments and make a lasting impact.

"“This eye-opening experience has underscored the importance of respecting and understanding diverse cultural contexts in gender equity initiatives.” ~ Dr. Keisha Harris, 2023 ELP Animal Health Advisor, OVC Class of 2023

Get in touch and find out if the ELP is the right next step for you...

In previous years, participants in this program have worked with partners on a variety of capacity-building activities, including:

  • Providing trainings on gender equality
  • Participating in vaccination campaigns
  • Conducting research and data collection
  • Training small-holder farmers on biosecurity
  • and much more.

Our ELPs contribute to healthier communities around the globe!

Questions? Email us at volunteer@vwb.org and we'll be happy to help!

"This placement has really helped me think about which path I intend to follow in the future. Working in international development is definitely on my radar, and I would love to stay involved in One Health initiatives." ~ Inès Petard,  2022 ELP volunteer Alum, OVC Class of 2024

Stories From Around The World

VETS Volunteer Voices: Business Plans and Bold Futures for Ghana’s Women Farmers

VETS Volunteer Voices: Business Plans and Bold Futures for Ghana’s Women Farmers

Posted Jun 25th, 2025

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog was written by Guy Audet, a Business Development Advisor who supported our VETS program partner, WIPVaC-Apex, in Ghana from March to May 2025.

Read more

Farming for the Future: How VETS Is Empowering Kenyan Farmers to Grow, Adapt, and Thrive

Farming for the Future: How VETS Is Empowering Kenyan Farmers to Grow, Adapt, and Thrive

Posted Jun 24th, 2025

In Meru County, Kenya, Community One Health Champion Ann Kagwira is improving her farm’s productivity and herd health through ongoing collaboration with VETS volunteers and Meru Dairy — demonstrating how long-term support and continuous learning can drive lasting change for farmers and their communities.

Read more

A Letter from Charmaine Brett: A Moment of Reflection and Momentum

A Letter from Charmaine Brett: A Moment of Reflection and Momentum

Posted Jun 23rd, 2025

As VWB’s Executive Director, Charmaine Brett, prepares to step down in September, she reflects on four years of transformative global work, celebrating milestones in animal care, community resilience, and One Health initiatives. With its bold 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, VWB remains committed to advancing its mission and recruiting new leadership to build on this momentum.

Read more

  • The most rewarding part of my placements was helping others and seeing the many lives that are impacted along the way.
    - Nikki Sheedy

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