Harpswell Leadership Resident Program 2027

The Harpswell Leadership Resident Program 2027 is a funded international leadership and professional development opportunity for women who are passionate about education, leadership, and social impact. Hosted by Harpswell, the program brings together talented women from around the world to live and work alongside Cambodian university students at Harpswell's leadership centers in Phnom Penh.

Leadership Residents serve as mentors, educators, and role models while supporting students through leadership development activities, English tutoring, critical thinking discussions, and community engagement. The program combines cross-cultural exchange with hands-on leadership experience, allowing participants to make a meaningful contribution while developing valuable professional and personal skills.

Participants commit to a residency lasting between four and eight months, with cohorts typically beginning between May and August or November and February. During their stay, residents become part of Harpswell's global network of women leaders and alumnae.

About the Harpswell Leadership Resident Program

The Harpswell Leadership Resident Program is a professional development initiative designed to empower both international women leaders and Cambodian university students through education, mentorship, and cultural exchange.

Harpswell is a non-profit organization that advances women's leadership in Southeast Asia by providing educational opportunities, leadership training, and a supportive community. Leadership Residents live within Harpswell's leadership centers, where they work closely with students and alumnae while contributing to their academic and leadership development.

Residents teach elements of Harpswell's Core Curriculum, facilitate discussions on current affairs, tutor students in English, mentor emerging women leaders, and organize cultural and community-building activities. Rather than serving as traditional classroom teachers, participants help create an environment where students can strengthen their confidence, communication skills, and leadership abilities.

Living alongside students also provides a unique opportunity for cultural immersion. Residents experience everyday life in Cambodia while building lasting friendships and gaining a deeper understanding of Southeast Asian cultures and communities.

The program is ideal for women who are interested in international education, leadership development, women's empowerment, and cross-cultural collaboration. Many former residents have gone on to successful careers in education, international development, public service, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector.

Program Benefits

The Harpswell Leadership Resident Program provides financial and professional support throughout the residency.

Benefits include:

• Full accommodation throughout the residency.
• Daily meals (room and board).
• Travel insurance.
• Monthly stipend of approximately USD 330 to support living expenses.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Cultural immersion in Cambodia.
• Opportunity to mentor future women leaders.
• Access to Harpswell's international alumnae network.
• Optional part-time internships with selected local NGO partners.
• Hands-on experience in education, leadership, and community engagement.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Identify as women.
• Hold a university degree.
• Demonstrate a commitment to women's leadership, education, and social change.
• Have a genuine interest in cultural exchange and learning from diverse communities.
• Possess excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Be resourceful, flexible, and capable of working independently.
• Be willing to work evenings and weekends when required.
• Teaching or mentoring experience is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Available Areas Of Study

The residency is suitable for graduates from a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Education
• International Development
• International Relations
• Political Science
• English
• Social Sciences
• Gender Studies
• Public Policy
• Psychology
• Communications
• Community Development
• Humanities
• Law
• Other related fields

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following:

• Completed online application form.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Personal statement or motivation letter.
• Academic qualifications.
• Professional or volunteer experience.
• References, if requested.
• Any additional documents required during the application process.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Commitment to women's leadership and education.
• Leadership potential.
• Academic background.
• Communication and English language skills.
• Cultural awareness and adaptability.
• Teaching or mentoring experience.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Motivation to contribute to the Harpswell community.
• Potential to make a positive impact on students and the broader community.

How To Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Harpswell Leadership Residents webpage.
2. Review the eligibility requirements and program information.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Upload the required supporting documents.
5. Submit the application before the published deadline.