Harpswell Leadership Resident Program: A Path to Empowering Cambodian Women

The Harpswell Leadership Resident Program offers a unique four-to-eight-month opportunity for women to contribute to leadership development in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This program focuses on professional growth, cultural exchange, and hands-on social impact by mentoring and collaborating with Cambodian Women’s Leadership students and alumnae. As a Leadership Resident (LR), you become an integral part of the Harpswell community, gaining valuable experience while supporting the empowerment of young women.

Key Takeaways

• The Harpswell Leadership Resident Program offers a 4-8 month opportunity in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, focused on leadership development and cultural exchange.
• Residents support Cambodian women’s leadership students and alumnae through mentorship, critical thinking classes, and curriculum teaching.
• The program provides professional development, deep cultural immersion including a provincial homestay, and covers living expenses with a monthly stipend.
• Eligibility requires being a university-educated woman with cross-cultural experience, strong English skills, and a commitment to women’s empowerment.

What is the Harpswell Leadership Resident Program?

The Harpswell Leadership Resident Program is designed for university-educated women who are passionate about leadership development and cross-cultural engagement. Based in Harpswell’s leadership centers in Phnom Penh, LRs provide support, mentorship, and educational facilitation to students and alumnae. The program emphasizes community building, allowing residents to immerse themselves in Khmer culture and foster meaningful relationships. Through this experience, LRs can refine their professional interests, develop their leadership styles, and engage directly in social impact initiatives.

Responsibilities of a Leadership Resident

Leadership Residents play a vital role in the daily life and educational activities at Harpswell’s centers. Key responsibilities include:

• Community Engagement: Actively participating in the life of the leadership centers, prioritizing cultural exchange and building strong connections with students and alumnae. This community-building aspect is central to the role.
• Student Support: Hosting weekly office hours to assist students and alumnae with various needs, such as editing job applications, practicing English conversation, or reviewing university papers.
• Critical Thinking Facilitation: Leading one to two weekly critical thinking classes focused on current events. This involves supporting student presenters in their preparation and delivery.
• Teaching Core Curriculum: Teaching courses from Harpswell’s in-house curriculum, which covers topics like Health & Nutrition and Analytical Writing. Curriculum materials are provided.
• Cultural Enrichment: Planning and executing at least one enriching cultural activity for students and alumnae each month.

Benefits of the Program

Participating in the Harpswell Leadership Resident Program offers significant benefits for personal and professional growth:

• Professional Development: LRs gain practical experience in supporting student learning, facilitating discussions, and developing teaching skills. Additionally, all Harpswell alumnae have access to ongoing virtual development opportunities, including professional mentorship and expert-led learning sessions.
• Cultural Exchange: Residents live immersed in Khmer culture, celebrating traditional holidays and sharing meals with students and staff. A unique opportunity includes traveling to the provinces for a homestay with a Harpswell student’s family.
• Living Expenses: The program covers full room and board, along with travel insurance. LRs also receive a monthly stipend to help with living costs in Phnom Penh: $330 USD for LRs and $420 USD for LR Fellows. Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Cambodia.

Eligibility Requirements

The Harpswell Leadership Resident Program is open to women who meet the following criteria:

• Must be a woman.
• Possess experience living and working cross-culturally, with a curious and respectful attitude towards cultural differences.
• Demonstrate self-starting abilities, resourcefulness, and flexibility.
• Exhibit excellent spoken and written English language skills.
• Show a commitment to women’s empowerment and leadership development.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Teaching experience is preferred but not mandatory.
• Must be a university graduate.

How to Apply

To apply for the Harpswell Leadership Resident Program 2027, interested candidates can submit their applications through the provided link. The deadline for applications is September 18, 2026.

Click here to apply

For further details about the program, you can visit the official Harpswell website: Harpswell Leadership Residency.

Conclusion

The Harpswell Leadership Resident Program presents a compelling opportunity for women seeking to make a tangible difference in leadership development and cultural exchange. By engaging directly with Cambodian students and alumnae, participants not only contribute to a worthy cause but also embark on a journey of significant personal and professional growth. If you are a university graduate with a passion for empowering women and a desire for cross-cultural immersion, this program offers a rewarding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions