A program like Northern Youth Abroad may at first seem like an opportunity only for those who excel in class or are already on a solid track, but organizers especially encourage youth who may be struggling a bit more to apply.

SA国际影视传媒淚f there are youth SA国际影视传媒� that maybe arenSA国际影视传媒檛 attending or arenSA国际影视传媒檛 attending very much, (it can be) a bit of a pushback into school,SA国际影视传媒� said Nick Pelletier, program officer for NYA.

Running for more than 20 years, the program provides youth aged 15 to 20 an opportunity to develop personal and career skills and give them a chance to travel the country.

During the winters, participants work on projects at home, before spending a large portion of the summer holiday down south in a work placement program.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 really a program designed for youth that may be interested in pursuing new opportunities, gaining a little bit of independence or trying to get back into school (and) re-engage with postsecondary,SA国际影视传媒� said Pelletier.

SA国际影视传媒淭hey get travel experience, they get to meet with youth from all across the North and really itSA国际影视传媒檚 a time to explore new options.SA国际影视传媒�

Graduates of that program can also have the opportunity to join the international program, where they find placement in a developing country, or NYA Next, which stations participants at Algonquin College in Ottawa for the summer.

Fort McPhersonSA国际影视传媒檚 Jayme Nerysoo, 20, participated in NYA Next this past summer. She took part in a construction course for four weeks, volunteered, participated in a mock trial and attended regular programs on science and other subjects.

SA国际影视传媒淚t was good,SA国际影视传媒� said Nerysoo. SA国际影视传媒淚t was something different. It made me come out of my comfort zone, because itSA国际影视传媒檚 a lot of speaking and meeting a lot of new people that you donSA国际影视传媒檛 know.SA国际影视传媒�

She enjoyed spending time with other people from the NWT and Nunavut.

SA国际影视传媒淲e became one big family, sharing a lot of memories and experiences with them,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Nerysoo isnSA国际影视传媒檛 yet sure what career path sheSA国际影视传媒檇 like to follow, but the construction program piqued her interest.

Applications have opened this year for the start of the next program, with a deadline of mid-November. About 40 youth from the NWT and Nunavut will take part in the 2018 program. Youth can also get help applying from their teachers or principals.

Nerysoo thinks itSA国际影视传媒檚 an opportunity worth taking.

SA国际影视传媒淵ou wonSA国际影视传媒檛 regret it,SA国际影视传媒� she said.