Are you a young woman ready to broaden your cultural horizons and grow as a change maker in a global sisterhood? Do you want to live, mentor, and lead alongside a passionate group of aspiring women leaders in Southeast Asia? The Harpswell Leadership Residency 2026 in Cambodia is a powerful, immersive opportunity designed for university-educated women who want to make a tangible social impact.
This unique residency program, hosted in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, allows international women to live and work in Harpswell’s leadership centers, mentoring and collaborating with Cambodian women students and alumnae. Over a four-to-eight-month period, Leadership Residents (LRs) engage in teaching, mentorship, and cultural exchange while deepening their own leadership skills in a vibrant, community-driven setting.
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What Is the Harpswell Leadership Residency Program 2026?
The Harpswell Leadership Residency is a professional development program for women who are passionate about leadership, education, and social change. As a Leadership Resident, you will live in one of Harpswell’s two dormitory-style leadership centers in Phnom Penh, where you’ll become an integral part of a dynamic and supportive community.
Residents will:
• Mentor Cambodian women students and alumnae.• Teach leadership-focused courses and critical thinking classes.
• Plan enriching cultural activities.
• Engage in cross-cultural learning and living.
• Contribute to a strong network of global women leaders.
This residency is not just about service it’s about mutual growth. By supporting young Cambodian women in their leadership journeys, you’ll simultaneously refine your own leadership style, clarify your professional goals, and build lifelong connections.
Financial Support and Living Benefits:
The Harpswell Leadership Residency offers a comprehensive package to support residents throughout their stay in Cambodia. Benefits include:
• Full room and board at Harpswell’s leadership centers in Phnom Penh.
• Monthly stipend of $330 USD, aligned with the local cost of living.
• Travel insurance during the residency period.
• Opportunities for cultural travel and homestays in Cambodian provinces.
• Please note that participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to and from Cambodia.
Cultural Immersion and Community Living:
One of the most transformative parts of the Harpswell Leadership Residency is the daily cultural exchange. As a resident, you will live among the students and fully immerse yourself in Khmer culture. You will:
• Share daily meals with students.
• Celebrate Cambodian holidays and traditions.
• Engage in meaningful conversations and cultural discovery.
• Visit rural provinces during a homestay with a student’s family.
This deep integration into the Harpswell community fosters a spirit of sisterhood, empathy, and shared growth that lasts long after the program ends.
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Optional Internship Opportunities:
In addition to your work with Harpswell, residents can opt to take on a part-time internship with a partner NGO in Phnom Penh. These internships offer real-world experience in the nonprofit sector and exposure to diverse areas of social impact. Internship opportunities may include:
• Communications and public relations.
• Fundraising and donor engagement.
• Program operations and logistics.
Partner NGOs work in fields such as:
• Women’s rights and empowerment.• Human rights and advocacy.
• Community development and education.
Internship time is limited to no more than three mornings per week, ensuring balance between your internship and Harpswell commitments.
Responsibilities of a Leadership Resident:
Leadership Residents play a meaningful role in the daily life of Harpswell’s leadership centers. Their core responsibilities include:
• Hosting weekly office hours to offer academic and personal mentorship.
• Teaching Core Curriculum courses on topics like leadership, communication, and personal development.
• Leading one to two weekly critical thinking classes based on current events.
• Supporting students in preparing and delivering presentations.
• Facilitating thoughtful, analytical discussion.
• Organizing at least one cultural activity per month.
• Examples include cooking classes, film screenings, and guest speaker events.
These duties are designed to foster student growth while also giving residents valuable leadership and teaching experience in a cross-cultural setting.
Program Duration and Commitment:
The Harpswell Leadership Residency is a flexible program that allows for two entry windows:
• May–August start.• November–February start.
Each resident must commit to a term of four to eight months, depending on availability. This structure makes the program ideal for:
• Recent university graduates.
• Young professionals.
• Women seeking meaningful gap year experiences.
• Individuals transitioning into careers in international development, education, or nonprofits.
Long-Term Benefits and Professional Development
The Harpswell experience continues long after your residency ends. As an alumna, you gain lifelong access to Harpswell’s global network and professional resources. Post-residency benefits include:
• Ongoing virtual mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Expert-led learning sessions and workshops.
• A robust global network of women leaders and change makers.
• Resume-worthy teaching and nonprofit experience.
This residency is a powerful stepping stone toward careers in education, international development, advocacy, and beyond.
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Who Should Apply?
Harpswell is seeking international women who are passionate about leadership, education, and making a positive impact in the world. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
• A university degree (required).
• A strong commitment to social change and women’s empowerment.
• A genuine interest in cross-cultural learning and discovery.
• Excellent English language skills, both spoken and written.
• Flexibility, resourcefulness, and self-motivation.
• A willingness to work nontraditional hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Teaching or mentorship experience is a plus, but not mandatory.
• Applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply for Harpswell Leadership Residency 2026?
Applications for the Harpswell Leadership Residency 2026 are now open, and the deadline to apply is July 14, 2025. To apply, you have to submit your application online. Be sure to clearly express your commitment to social change and your enthusiasm for working with young Cambodian women leaders.
Conclusion:
The Harpswell Leadership Residency 2026 is more than a professional opportunity it’s a personal transformation. You’ll develop as a leader, build lifelong connections, and contribute to the future of women’s leadership in Cambodia and beyond. If you're passionate about education, global engagement, and creating positive change, this residency is for you. Take the first step toward joining a worldwide sisterhood of women leaders. So to apply and know more visit the Harpswell Leadership Residency Program 2026 official link here.