International Women Can Apply for Harpswell Leadership Residency Scholarship 2027

For women who want international experience without disappearing into another classroom, the Harpswell Leadership Residency 2027 in Cambodia offers a very different kind of opportunity: live in Phnom Penh, mentor Cambodian university women, teach leadership and critical-thinking sessions, take part in cultural exchange—and receive full room and board, travel insurance and a monthly stipend while doing it.

This is not a conventional scholarship or academic degree. Harpswell describes the Leadership Residency as a professional-development and volunteer experience for international women who want hands-on exposure to education, social impact and women’s leadership.

What Would You Actually Do in Cambodia?

Leadership Residents live alongside participants in Harpswell’s Cambodian Women’s Leadership programme rather than simply visiting the organisation occasionally.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Teaching Harpswell’s Core Curriculum;
• Leading twice-weekly discussions on current affairs and critical thinking;
• Tutoring students in English;
• holding regular office hours;
• Supporting leadership development;
• building relationships with students and alumnae; and
• Organising cultural activities beyond the leadership centres.

Residents normally commit for four to eight months, with start periods falling between May–August or November–February.

What Does Harpswell Pay For?

The financial package is designed to cover day-to-day living in Phnom Penh rather than provide a large salary and the Leadership Residents will receive:

• full room and board;
• travel insurance;
• fresh Khmer meals while living at the centres;
• a USD 330 monthly stipend; and
• opportunities for cultural activities and a provincial homestay with a Harpswell student and her family.

Applicants must arrange and pay for their own travel to and from Cambodia.

There is also a 12-month Leadership Resident Fellowship, carrying a higher stipend of USD 420 per month, but that role has greater leadership responsibilities and normally requires at least two years of professional experience.

Who Is Harpswell Looking For?

Applicants should be international women with university degrees and strong written and spoken English. Harpswell particularly wants women interested in social change, women’s leadership, education and cross-cultural learning.

Applicants should also be comfortable working independently, adapting to unfamiliar situations and occasionally working evenings and weekends. Teaching experience is useful for Leadership Residents and strongly preferred for the year-long LR Fellow position.

How to Apply for the 2027 Leadership Residency?

Step 1: Decide Which Commitment You Can Make: Confirm that you can realistically spend four to eight months living in Phnom Penh and participate fully in residential community life.

Step 2: Review the Leadership Resident Role: Think beyond the stipend. Your application should demonstrate why mentoring, education, women’s leadership and cultural exchange fit your existing interests or future career.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application: Use Harpswell’s official 2027 Leadership Resident application form and provide the requested personal, academic and experience information. Applicants should make their motivation specific: explain what you can contribute to the students as well as what you hope to learn from living and working in Cambodia.

Step 4: Submit Before September 18: Applications for the January and May 2027 cohorts close September 18, 2026.

Should You Apply?

This opportunity makes the most sense for a graduate who wants international development, education, nonprofit or women’s-leadership experience and is willing to participate deeply in community life rather than simply add an overseas line to a CV.

If you discover this article after September 18, the eligibility and role description can still help you prepare for a future Harpswell cohort. Future dates, stipends and requirements should be rechecked when Harpswell opens its next recruitment round.

If you are unsure whether your degree, work experience, teaching background or availability makes you suitable, leave your question in the comments below the article with your country and professional background.