Six weeks that will
change your life

Each summer, the International Seminar offers Canadian postsecondary students an initial experience in a developing country. Under the supervision of internship coordinators, the young participants collaborate with students from the host country on a common research project covering a predetermined development issue. The proposed research project provides tangible support for the work of Uniterra local partner organizations in Africa, Latin America or Asia. Upon returning to Canada, the seminar participants share their experiences on their campuses and with their communities through awareness activities.

Operation of the International Seminar includes a one-week pre-departure training course in Canada, an orientation session in the host country, a short-term internship project component and other program activities, ending with a few days of presentations and reports. Lodgings may vary from host families to university residences. After the Seminar, students take part in development education activities in the form of presentations, on-line reports and multimedia productions.

Sponsor a participant in the 2012 International Seminar!

Next seminar

Dates: June 25 to August 5, 2012

Theme: Youth Employability, Health and Well Being in Mali

* Please note that due to the political situation in Mali, the International Seminar 2012 will take place in Senegal.

Conditions for participation

Expenses covered by the program include:

Pre-departure training course in Canada
Round-trip air ticket
Accommodations
Meals
Health insurance
Visa and recommended vaccines

Those who become participants in the Seminar agree to make a financial contribution in the amount of $3,500 to cover part of the total cost of their participation. The Uniterra team can provide support for their financing campaign.

Selection criteria

Holding Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status
Being enrolled in a Canadian university or college
Returning for study at a postsecondary institution in the autumn following the Seminar
Not having participated in an exchange program or international internship similar to the Seminar
Showing interest in matters related to international development and education of the public
Showing interest in the host country and its region
Being bilingual (at a minimum, having the ability to communicate in English or French, depending on the host country)
Having a good academic record
Being in good physical condition

How to apply

Do you wish to apply for the next International Seminar?

Contact the Local Committee on your campus that handles the initial phase of recruitment.

You may also contact campus@wusc.ca for more detailed information on the International Seminar.

Material for recruitment

Application kit
Selection guide for Local Committees
Contextual information on the theme of the seminar: Senegal (click here to access the context of the Seminar in Mali - the country has changed due to political instability in Mali)
Poster of the next seminar: Senegal (click here for posters for Mali)