The Harpswell Leadership Residency Scholarship 2027 offers international women with university degrees an opportunity to live and work alongside Cambodian women leaders at Harpswell’s leadership centers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The Leadership Residency is a professional development opportunity designed for women interested in social change, women’s leadership, education, and cross-cultural learning. Leadership Residents support, mentor, teach, and collaborate with Cambodian Women’s Leadership students and alumnae while becoming part of Harpswell’s international community.
Applications for the January 2027 and May 2027 Leadership Resident cohorts are currently open, with a deadline of September 18, 2026.
Harpswell Leadership Residency 2027 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Harpswell Leadership Residency |
| Location | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| Eligible Applicants | International women |
| Education | University degree |
| Residency Length | 4–8 months |
| 2027 Cohorts | January and May |
| Application Deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| Monthly Stipend | $330 USD for Leadership Residents |
| Accommodation | Full room and board |
| Travel Insurance | Provided |
| Travel to/from Cambodia | Arranged by the participant |
The Leadership Residency requires participants to commit to a term of four to eight months, beginning between May-August or November-February, according to the programme’s published information.
What Is the Harpswell Leadership Residency?
Harpswell’s Leadership Residency is a professional development opportunity based at the organisation’s leadership centers in Phnom Penh.
Leadership Residents, commonly referred to as LRs, are volunteers who work directly with Cambodian Women’s Leadership students and alumnae. Their responsibilities include mentoring, teaching, facilitating discussions, and helping create a supportive learning community.
The experience is intended to help participants refine their professional interests, develop their leadership style, and gain practical experience in social impact work.
For women seeking international leadership, education, or nonprofit experience, the programme provides an opportunity to contribute directly to a community focused on developing Cambodian women leaders.
What Do Leadership Residents Do?
Leadership Residents have a range of educational, mentoring and community responsibilities.
Core responsibilities include:
- Teaching Harpswell’s Core Curriculum
- Facilitating twice-weekly critical-thinking discussions on current events
- Tutoring students in English-language skills
- Hosting regular office hours
- Supporting students’ leadership development
- Building meaningful relationships with students and alumnae
- Planning cultural activities outside the leadership centers
The role therefore combines teaching, mentorship, community engagement, and leadership development rather than being limited to classroom instruction.
Who Can Apply for the Harpswell Leadership Residency?
Harpswell states that it welcomes applications from international women with university degrees for both the Leadership Resident and Leadership Resident Fellow opportunities.
Applicants should demonstrate several qualities that align with Harpswell’s mission.
Commitment to Social Change
Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to social change, women’s leadership, and education as a tool for empowerment.
Applicants should therefore be able to explain how their academic, professional, volunteer or community experiences connect with these areas.
Interest in Cross-Cultural Learning
Harpswell seeks candidates who have genuine curiosity about other people’s experiences and an interest in cross-cultural learning and discovery.
This is particularly relevant because Leadership Residents live within the Harpswell community and participate in cultural exchange activities.
Resourcefulness and Flexibility
Candidates should be resourceful and flexible, capable of self-motivation and comfortable working independently.
Strong English Skills
Applicants need excellent spoken and written English-language skills. Teaching experience is described as an advantage.
Willingness to Work Non-Traditional Hours
The programme requires flexibility because participants may frequently work during evenings and weekends.
Leadership Resident Fellowship 2027
In addition to the standard Leadership Resident opportunity, Harpswell offers a Leadership Resident Fellowship.
Launched in 2025, the Leadership Resident Fellowship is a one-year opportunity for one exceptional young woman to take on a leadership role within the Leadership Resident programme. The position is a 12-month residential role in Phnom Penh.
The LR Fellow serves as a peer leader for other Leadership Residents and helps ensure that the programme operates effectively.
Responsibilities include:
- Building relationships with students and alumnae
- Leading Core Curriculum and critical-thinking facilitation
- Managing Leadership Resident scheduling
- Onboarding incoming Leadership Residents
- Building a supportive and collaborative LR cohort
- Organising cultural and volunteering activities
- Supporting the Communications Officer with content gathering
Additional Requirements for the LR Fellow
Applicants for the Leadership Resident Fellowship should have:
- At least 2 years of professional experience
- Teaching experience is strongly preferred
This makes the fellowship particularly relevant to women who already have professional experience and are looking for a more substantial leadership and residential role.
Harpswell Leadership Residency Benefits
The programme offers several professional and practical benefits.
Professional Development
Leadership Residents gain hands-on experience supporting student learning, facilitating discussions and developing teaching skills. Harpswell also provides its alumnae with ongoing virtual professional development opportunities, including mentorship and expert-led learning sessions.
Cultural Exchange
Participants live immersed in Khmer culture at Harpswell’s leadership centers and participate in cultural activities with students and staff.
Leadership Residents also have the opportunity to travel to the provinces for a homestay with a Harpswell student and their family, providing an additional opportunity for cultural exchange.
Room and Board
Harpswell provides full room and board as part of the Leadership Resident opportunity, along with travel insurance.
Monthly Stipend
Leadership Residents receive a monthly stipend based on the cost of living in Phnom Penh.
- Leadership Resident: $330 USD per month
- Leadership Resident Fellow: $420 USD per month
Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from Cambodia.
How to Apply for the Harpswell Leadership Residency 2027
Women interested in the 2027 cohorts should prepare their application through Harpswell’s application process.
The organisation’s published page confirms that applications for the January 2027 and May 2027 cohorts are open until September 18, 2026.
Applicants should ensure that their application demonstrates:
- Their university education and relevant experience.
- Their commitment to women’s leadership, education and social change.
- Their ability to communicate effectively in English.
- Their interest in cross-cultural learning.
- Their ability to work independently and adapt to a new environment.
- Their willingness to participate in evening and weekend activities.
Candidates should also carefully review the programme’s expectations before applying, particularly the four-to-eight-month commitment and residential nature of the opportunity.
Harpswell Leadership Residency Deadline
The application deadline for the January 2027 and May 2027 Leadership Resident cohorts is September 18, 2026.
Interested applicants should submit their applications before the stated deadline and review Harpswell’s official programme information for any updates.
Harpswell also announced a virtual information session scheduled for September 3, providing prospective applicants with an opportunity to learn more about the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Harpswell Leadership Residency?
Harpswell welcomes applications from international women with university degrees who demonstrate an interest in social change, women’s leadership, education and cross-cultural learning.
Where is the Leadership Residency based?
The programme is based at Harpswell’s leadership centers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
How long is the Leadership Residency?
Leadership Residents commit to a term of four to eight months.
How much is the Leadership Resident stipend?
Leadership Residents receive $330 USD per month, while the Leadership Resident Fellow receives $420 USD per month.
Is accommodation provided?
Yes. Harpswell states that Leadership Residents and LR Fellows receive full room and board, as well as travel insurance.
Do applicants need teaching experience?
Teaching experience is a plus for Leadership Residents and is strongly preferred for Leadership Resident Fellow applicants.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the January 2027 and May 2027 cohorts is September 18, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Harpswell Leadership Residency 2027 is an international professional development opportunity for women who want to combine leadership development, education, mentorship and cultural exchange in Cambodia.
The programme is particularly suited to women with a university degree who are passionate about women’s leadership, social change and education and who are comfortable adapting to a residential, cross-cultural environment.
Participants receive full room and board, travel insurance and a monthly stipend, while gaining practical experience working with Cambodian women students and alumnae.
Women interested in the 2027 Harpswell Leadership Residency should review the eligibility requirements carefully and apply before the September 18, 2026 deadline.
Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
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