Harpswell Leadership Residency Program for Women

Harpswell Foundation’s Leadership Residency is an international professional development and volunteer program based at its women’s leadership centers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Participants live alongside Cambodian university students while supporting their education, leadership development and personal growth.

Applications are currently open for the January 2027 and May 2027 cohorts.

Program activities

Leadership Residents will:

• Teach Harpswell’s Core Curriculum

• Facilitate critical-thinking discussions on current events twice a week

• Tutor students in English

• Hold regular office hours

• Support students’ leadership development

• Build relationships with Harpswell students and alumnae

• Organize cultural and community activities

Leadership Residents normally commit to 4–8 months, with terms beginning between May–August or November–February.

Who can apply

The program is open to international women with a university degree. Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong interest in social change, women’s leadership and education

• Interest in cross-cultural learning and exchange

• Resourcefulness, flexibility and ability to work independently

• Excellent spoken and written English

• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including some evenings and weekends

Teaching experience is an advantage but is not required for regular Leadership Residents.

Leadership Resident Fellowship

Harpswell also offers a 12-month Leadership Resident Fellowship for one participant who takes a more senior role in coordinating the Leadership Resident program.

Applicants for the Fellowship must meet the general requirements and additionally have:

• At least 2 years of professional experience

• Teaching experience is strongly preferred

The Fellow helps coordinate Leadership Residents, supports onboarding, manages schedules and contributes to the overall development of the program.

Funding and benefits

The program provides:

• Full accommodation in Harpswell’s leadership centers

• Daily meals

• Travel insurance

• Monthly stipend of $330 USD for Leadership Residents

• Monthly stipend of $420 USD for the Leadership Resident Fellow

• Professional development opportunities

• Cultural immersion in Cambodia

• A homestay experience with a Harpswell student and her family

Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel to and from Cambodia.

Deadline: September 18, 2026