(Editor's note: for complete program details, contact information and application forms, please click here.To read about two NC credit union staff who participated in this program earlier in the year, please click here.)
The International Credit Union Leadership Program is an internship program that places young professionals in various credit unions overseas. The program is designed to facilitate idea exchanges, promote foreign language skill development, enhance cultural diversity and improve problem-solving skills as they relate to credit union development and management on a global basis. In addition, the program focuses on helping credit unions find new ways to attract younger members.
World Council of Credit Unions will be calling for U.S. credit union applicants for the latest phase of the organization's International Credit Union Leadership Program in October 2012.
During this phase, 10 young U.S. professionals will be selected to intern at credit unions in the Dominican Republic. The internships, which run from January 13–26, 2013, offer excellent opportunities for emerging credit union leaders to better understand how Dominican credit unions serve underserved populations and support their communities through member education and other special projects.
The program provides each participant with local host family lodging, a meals stipend, local transportation, traveler's insurance and a limited communications stipend.
Participant Requirements
Selected applicants must be able to participate in the full two-week program in order to qualify. It is the applicants' responsibility to arrange for time away from their credit unions prior to application. The sponsoring U.S. credit union is also responsible for covering an airfare cost of approximately US$1,350 associated with the applicant's exchange program as a sign of commitment to building human capital within their organization.
Applicants meet the following selection criteria:
- Be 40 years of age or younger on Sept. 1, 2011
- Demonstrate personal commitment and the ability to significantly influence the credit union
- Show leadership and entrepreneurial skills and demonstrate how personal initiative has contributed to the credit union's development
- Exhibit the potential to advance the national or international credit union system through initiatives that would also help the development of his or her community
- Be actively involved as an employee or board member of a credit union or organization affiliated with World Council through the Credit Union National Association or a state credit union league
- Be available to travel on the specific dates outlined by the program
- Not be a World Council employee or board member
- Have intermediate-to-advanced Spanish language skills
- Have a career trajectory within the credit union industry
For complete program details or to submit an application, please click here.