Frequently Asked Questions – Canadian Program

What is the NYA Canadian Program?

The NYA Canadian Program is 10-months long and is highlighted by a summer placement in Southern Canada. Placements are spread out across the country, and we have had Participants stay in every province. Over 550 young people from Nunavut and the NWT have completed the NYA Canadian Program. 

As a Canadian Program Participant, youth will: 

  • Work on assignments in their home community between February and June with the help of a Mentor. These assignments help prepare youth for a summer placement in the south.  
  • Attend a five-day Orientation program in Ottawa before travelling to your host community for 4-5 weeks. All NYA Participants attend Orientation and it’s a great time to meet other youth and get ready for their placements.  
  • Stay with a host family in southern Canada and volunteer full-time at a volunteer work placement. All Participants travel and live with another NYA Participant (who we call a placement buddy) during the summer.  
  • Return to Ottawa to attend a 5-day Re-Orientation after placements are finished before returning home.  
  • Complete a series of fall assignments after returning home. 

What are this year’s program dates?

We aren’t quite there yet! Based on previous years, generally speaking: 

  • Participants Arrive in Ottawa: End of June/Beginning of July 
  • Orientation in Ottawa: One week upon arrival in Ottawa 
  • Placement in Host Community: 4-5 weeks after Orientation   
  • Re-Orientation: Sometime in the first 10 days of August 
  • Participants Travel Home: Mid-August  

What can youth expect from Participating?

Lots! Youth earn high school credits, gain valuable skills and work experience, learn about new cultures while sharing their own, meet other Northerners and people across Canada, and have fun! Youth can also expect to be challenged and overcome obstacles that will help them grow and become stronger, more confident and independent people. 

What do Participants needs to do?

  • Be committed to the program. You can get a lot out of NYA, but you need to work hard too! 
  • Be willing to challenge themselves and live away from home for 6 weeks. 
  • Follow the behaviour policy, which includes agreeing not to drink alcohol, consume cannabis, or do drugs during all parts of the program placement. 
  • Live with a host family during the summer placement. 
  • Be committed to volunteer at a work placement for 35 hours per week while on placement. 
  • Complete assignments before, during, and after the summer placement. 
  • Fundraise $1,000 towards their participation. 

Who can apply?

  • Any youth between the ages of 15 and 20 (as of June 1, 2023) living in Nunavut or the Northwest Territories can apply. You do not need to be attending school to participate.  

How do I apply?

  • Go to www.nya.ca/apply to fill out the online Application Form. 
  • If you can’t fill out the form online, you can pick up an Application Form from your school. 
  • You will also need to get 2 adults (your Mentor and one other person) to fill out “Participant Referral Forms” for you and send them with your application. A Mentor is someone you choose in your community who is willing to help you with your assignments and prepare for your summer travels.  

Why do I need to submit referral forms?

  • It is difficult to select Participants for the program without having an idea of who you are as a person. These tools help us get to know you. It is important that we select Participants who will gain a lot from the experience and who are willing to commit to participating.  

Who can fill out my referral forms?

  • Any adult who is not part of your immediate family. They could be a teacher, boss, coach, or a family friend. Remember that one of your referral forms needs to be filled out by your Mentor.  

If I am selected, what is the cost to me?

  • There is no cost to you, but you will need to fundraise $1,000 before travelling. 

What happens after I apply?

  • NYA will let your Mentor know when we receive your application.  
  • NYA will contact you to schedule a short phone interview with one of our selection teams. 
  • You will know whether or not you are selected before your Christmas holiday. 
  • Selected Participants and Alternates will receive their first assignment pack at the beginning of February 2023. 

What is an Alternate?

  • We select a number of Alternates who are ‘Participants in Waiting’. Each year, a number of Participants withdraw from the program for various reasons before traveling and Alternates take their place. Alternates who are up to date on their assignments have a good chance of being promoted to a Participant spot. 

Where can I get more information?

  • Read the experiences of past Participants at www.nya.ca/blog/.  
  • Find Northern Youth Abroad on Facebook and ‘like’ us for updates and to stay in touch.   
  • Talk to NYA Alumni or past Mentors in your community who are familiar with NYA. If you don’t know who to talk to, let us know and we will give you contact information for someone who has completed the program.

What if I need help?

Ask your Mentor, call the NYA Office at 1-866-212-2307, e-mail nya@nya.ca, or text 867-888-4001 and we would be happy to help you .

When are applications due?

  • November 15, 2022. It is a good idea to complete your application early and not wait until the last minute!