- The opportunity to improve Spanish language and cross-cultural skills.
- To better understand the many challenges of managing and working with civil society organizations.
- To gain academic training in case study research and potentially get your research published.
- To increase employability, research skills and competencies.
- To gain international experience and learn to appreciate foreign cultures.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or a person who has refugee status in Canada and have a valid passport or equivalent. Note: Passports are now required for entry into the U.S.
- You must be legally entitled to work in Canada and cannot currently be receiving employment insurance (EI) benefits.
- You must be a graduate student or upper-level (3rd or 4th year) undergraduate student between the ages of 15 to 30.
- The exchange program is open to all students at either Carleton or McGill. We will consider applicants from a wide variety of academic disciplines; however your academic advisor must approve the courses to ensure transfer of credits to your degree. If you cannot have credits transferred towards your home degree, unfortunately you will not be eligible to participate in the exchange program.
- You must also have full-time status within the university.
- You must currently have high academic standing in your program. This means a minimum grade point average of 8.0 (a grade of B or higher) overall during your academic career.
- You must be fluent in Spanish if you wish to study in Mexico. All Canadian applicants will be given a language proficiency test to discern their level of Spanish fluency for those exchanging to Mexico. If you have taken classes at the intermediate level or above, or have experience in a Spanish-speaking country, you are encouraged to apply.
- You must have a well-defined intention to pursue studies or work relating to civil society in North America following the exchange.
- Show an active interest in the voluntary sector/civil society either through study, volunteering or work.
- You must be comfortable living in a cross-cultural environment and be prepared to meet the challenges of living and studying in another country.
Costs and financial support
- You must pay your tuition fees at your home university (Carleton University or McGill University) before leaving for the exchange. (Students are not required to pay foreign tuition fees). Note that the $ 3,500 stipend is intended to offset costs incurred by traveling and living abroad, and is not meant to cover tuition. During your time abroad, you will be responsible for costs relating to but not limited to:
- Transportation to and from host university campus.
- Room and board. Host universities will provide assistance in finding accommodation, but ultimately it is your responsibility.
- Health insurance, passport renewal and visa costs, where applicable.
- Textbooks
- Personal expenses
Upcoming Exchanges
- The next upcoming exchange is scheduled for:
El Colegio Mexiquense, Toluca (Mexico)
www.cmq.edu.mx
(March 2009 to August 2009)
University of Texas at Austin (USA)
www.utexas.edu/
(January 2009 to May 2009)
Application Process
The application form will ask you to discuss how this exchange would positively impact your current field of studies, your career goals, and your interest in the study of civil society. It will also ensure that you have met the above eligibility criteria. Applicants will also be asked to provide CVSRD with an original copy of their university transcript.
To find out further information, please contact:
Sandra Jones
Centre for Voluntary Sector Research and Development (CVSRD)
1125 Colonel By Drive, Dunton Tower, Room 2020
Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6
Tel: 613-520-7444
Email: admin@cvsrd.org |
