Home > Academic Programs > Liberal Education at Bishop’s > Experiential Learning > Internships and Funding Opportunities

Bishop’s University offers a variety of internships that allow students to apply what they have learned in class and gain hands-on experience in their field of interest. This is an essential part of learning experiences, which allow students to expand their options for the future. Many times full-time job offers after graduation occur from internship opportunities.

Why Apply?

An internship offers you the opportunity to “test the waters” in real-life situations.

  • Students are able to find out what they like and don’t like.
  • Students will be able to discover their level of comfort with their own personal and professional skills.
  • Students are exposed to hands-on experiences that test their knowledge.
  • Start building a resume for your future now.

Academic Internships

Internships specific to departments

Independent Studies

Bishop’s University offers its students a wide variety of independent study and experiential learning courses. Independent study courses are a way for students to fit in coursework that they are interested in on their own time.

ELP 300

ELP 300 courses are linked to the student’s academic program. The student will be involved in an experiential learning activity (on his/her own or as part of a team) that will normally involve an internship/placement in an organization for 12-15 weeks approved by the Experiential Learning Committee of Senate and the internship/placement supervisor. Work for the course will involve the preparation of an activity plan including goals, the work itself and a critical analysis on what was learned and/or accomplished during the internship/placement.

Search the Bishop’s University Academic Calendar to get a list of Independent Study courses by department.

Humanities

Arts Administration

AAD 353 – Practicum
This course will be a directed independent study in which the student is placed in a range of posts in the arts industry and in not-for-profit cultural agencies. Prerequisites: AAD250, AAD251, AAD252

Classical Studies

CLA 238a – Greece, Land of the Gods
This six-credit course examines the sacred art and architecture of ancient Greece from Mycenae to Byzantium on site in Greece. Offered in the Spring semester. After preliminary lectures on campus students will spend two weeks traveling to the major sacred sites of mainland Greece.

CLA 240ab – Signs of the Past: Archaeological Interpretation
A continuation of Classics 120ab with the emphasis on the techniques and methodology of archaeology. Topics include the use of artifacts in creating chronologies and theories, preservation and conservation of sites, ethical questions and problems relating to archaeological excavation. Sites from Greece, Italy and the American Southwest will be studied. Computer simulations will be used.

CLA 241 – The Archaeology of the Transjordan: Archaeological Field Methods
Students registered in this course will participate in a six-week archaeological expedition to Jordan. Working under the supervision of professional archaeologists, students will be involved in the excavation and recording of artifacts recovered at Khirbat al-Mudayna, Jordan, as part of the Wadi ath-Thamad Excavation Project. Students will learn to take elevations, draw top plans and baulk sections, write daily and weekly field reports, and related activities. During the season, students will take part in the educational program of the expedition, which will include seminars, lectures by visiting scholars on the archaeology and history of Jordon, plus field trips to museums, neighbouring excavations and major sites.

Drama

DRA 370ab – Independent Study: Special Project
Advanced work on a Departmentally approved special project. Prerequisite: Drama 331 or 332 and permission of the Department.

English

ENG 450 – Experiential Learning: Journalism
A practical course in composing news copy and assisting in the production of a commercial newspaper. Specific duties will be negotiated between the English Department and the newspaper.

ENG 454 – Experiential Learning: Broadcast Journalism
A practical course in composing news copy and producing radio news programming. Specific duties will be negotiated between the English Department and the radios station.

ENG 458 – Experiential Learning: Literary Journal Editing
A practical course in editing The Mitre. Specific duties will be negotiated between the English Department and the Student Representative Council.

Études Française et Québecoises

FRA 270ab – Littératures migrantes et de la francophonie
“La littérature et le cinéma comme miroirs de l’expression des particularités culturelles nationales. Observation de la complexité historique des différences culturelles rencontrées dans une variété d’aires géographiques reliées à la francophonie, à l’exception de l’Europe (Québec, Antilles, Maghreb, Afrique subsaharienne, autres pays arabes avec influences françaises, etc.). Examen et analyse de la perception de l’Autre dans le Québec contemporain : la vision par le Québec de l’immigrant et l’écrivain québécois réfléchissant sur l’Extérieur et sur l’Étranger. Après entrevues, des stages linguistiques avec des familles immigrantes peuvent faire partie de l’évaluation.
Antirequisite : previous FRA 289″.

Fine Arts

FIS 390ab – Independent Study in Studio Art I
FIS 391ab – Independent Study in Studio Art II
FIS 392ab – Independent Study in Studio Art III

History

HIS 286a – Independent Studies
For U2 Students

HIS 287b – Independent Studies
For U2 Students

HIS 386a – Independent Studies
For U3 Students

HIS 387b – Independent Studies
For U3 Students

HIS 391ab – Archival or Institutional Internship
Unpaid internship in a local archival repository or other institution under the joint supervision of an archivist or other representative and a member of faculty. Students will be evaluated on the completion of pre-established objectives and must be prepared to perform a variety of projects such as writing a major report, preparing an archival inventory or a finding aid. Students must obtain departmental approval before registering for the internship.

HIS 392 – Research Internship
Unpaid internship under the supervision of a member of the department. The student will be responsible for undertaking research related activities in support of the research project of a faculty member.

HIS 455 – Public History Practicum
A directed independent study in which the student undertakes historical work in one of a range of institutions or agencies.

Modern Languages

JSE 401a – Internship in Yamaguchi I
This is a one-year-long internship program that provides rare, hands-on experience of Japan, within the framework of the Japanese Studies Program. Students will work as assistants at a nursery school of the Town of Abucho, Yamaguchi, Japan, with many generous benefits. Prerequisite: JSE101 and JSE102 as well as an approval of the section chief of the Japanese Studies Program.

JSE 402b – Internship in Yamaguchi II
This is a one-year-long internship program that provides rare, hands-on experience of Japan, within the framework of the Japanese Studies Program. Students will work as assistants at a nursery school of the Town of Abucho, Yamaguchi, Japan, with many generous benefits. Prerequisite: JSE101 and JSE102 as well as an approval of the section chief of the Japanese Studies Program.

Religion

REL 241 – The Archaeology of the Transjordan: Archaeological Field Methods
Students registered in this course will participate in a six-week archaeological expedition to Jordan. Working under the supervision of professional archaeologists, students will be involved in the excavation and recording of artifacts recovered at Khirbat al-Mudayna, Jordan, as part of the Wadi ath-Thamad Excavation Project. Students will learn to take elevations, draw top plans and baulk sections, write daily and weekly field reports, and related activities. During the season, students will take part in the educational program of the expedition, which will include seminars, lectures by visiting scholars on the archaeology and history of Jordon, plus field trips to museums, neighbouring excavations and major sites.

REL 300 – Independent Studies I
Full description coming soon.

REL 301 – Independent Studies II
Full description coming soon.

Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Chemistry

CHE 135 – The History and Science of Brewing
Beer is among the world’s most popular beverages and the industry continues to grow at both the mega-brewery and microbrewery levels. This course is a general interest course on the nature of beer from a historical, sociological, and scientific perspective. The diverse nature of beer will be explored, as well as how the beverage has developed from its origins many thousands of years ago to what it has become today. Of particular emphasis will be the development of a general understanding of the brewing process, and the science and engineering involved. Various examples of beer’s impact on society and culture will also be discussed.

CHE 136 – Experiential Learning Project in Brewing
Beer is among the world’s most popular beverages and the industry continues to grow at both the mega-brewery and microbrewery levels. This course is a general interest course on the nature of beer from a historical, sociological, and scientific perspective. The diverse nature of beer will be explored, as well as how the beverage has developed from its origins many thousands of years ago to what it has become today. Of particular emphasis will be the development of a general understanding of the brewing process, and the science and engineering involved. Various examples of beer’s impact on society and culture will also be discussed.

Computer Science

CS 404ab – Project
This course is normally taken by CSC students in their final year. The project must be approved in advance by the department. Students will be expected to submit a written report and to make a presentation. Prerequisite: approval of the dept., 80% in CSC courses.

Physics

PHY 380 – Experiential Learning in Astronomy
Students will be expected to work in the Observatory as a telescope operator, guide, and/or public speaker. These activities will help fulfill the Observatory’s role as a resource for public outreach in the field of science. Students will be expected to become conversant with the essentials of observational astronomy and to develop their ability to articulate the importance of astronomy and science to the general public through oral and/or written communication. Students must seek out an internal supervisor (a full-time faculty member) who will supervise their activities. Assessment of the student will be based on a mark assigned by the supervisor and will reflect the quality of the work carried out by the student. Students must also submit a journal detailing the actual daily work that was accomplished. Projects may be intensive in nature (i.e., 3 weeks during the summer), or may extend over longer durations (i.e., 6-8 hours per week during the semester). Students may only take one experiential learning course for credit. Permission of the instructor.

Social Sciences

Politics and International Studies

POL 300 – International Studies Internship
Student must apply, in writing, to the Department to take a Department-sponsored or student arranged internship abroad for credit. A faculty member will be appointed to oversee the internship and to supervise the written component.

POL 352 – United Nations Practicum
The study of the processes and structures of the United Nations System through seminars and labs, culminating in an annual Model United Nations simulated conference. Students will study the UN’s specialized agencies and related organs, and affiliated intergovernmental organizations. Students will prepare various position papers on a selected country, and develop resolution drafting and negotiating skills in preparation for the simulated conference. Prerequisites: POL 140 and one of POL 241 or POL242 and the permission of the instructor.

POL 352 – Nicholas Bachand Canadian Civil Society Internship
The Nicholas Bachand Canadian Civil Society Internship is intended to provide a practical work-experience related to the Political Studies Minor in Public Policy and Public Administration. The internship is intended to enable students to contribute to the well-being of Canadian society by participating in voluntary and non-profit non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

POL 450 – Independent Study
Individual research and reading under the guidance of an advisor and the Department, of special themes in political studies.

Psychology

PSY 325a – Independent Studies I
Theoretical or experimental work conducted under the direct supervision of two faculty members. The project and grading scheme need to be approved beforehand by the Psychology Department. Prerequisite: PSY101and PSY102.

PSY 326b – Independent Studies II
Theoretical or experimental work conducted under the direct supervision of two faculty members. The project and grading scheme need to be approved beforehand by the Psychology Department. Prerequisite: PSY101and PSY102.

PSY 442b – Practicum
Aimed at introducing students to psychology’s applied field while sensitizing them to its stakes, this course is completely practical and offers experiential learning opportunities. Students spend 6hrs/week under close supervision in one of a number of applied settings. Field placements are possible in hospital and school settings, various community organizations, senior citizens’ homes, life skills development centres, women’s centre, etc., and are assigned in accordance with students’ competencies and interests.
Prerequisite: PSY441.

PSY 499f – Honours Thesis
Under the guidance of two faculty advisors, the student will formulate a proposal for original research involving the collection of data, undertake the research, and report it both as a public talk and in the form of a thesis conforming to the publication style of the American Psychological Association. Prerequisite: Only open to Honours students; Co-requisite: PSY498, PMA 460b is an additional prerequisite for projects involving multivariate research.

Sociology

Law and Justice

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Sports Studies

SPO 401 – Experiential learning
The aim of this course is to integrate knowledge with a practical component. Although the content focus changes from year to year, the aim of the course is to expose students to the application of what they have learned. The course will
mix seminars with practical placements. Topics may include: Marathon running,
coaching, assisting in a community sports program, developing exercise programs in hospitals, homes for the aging, convents, or some other care-giving institution.
Prerequisite: SPO 301.
Taken in the final 30 credits of the student’s program.

SPO 411 – Sport Center Practicum
This course provides an experiential learning opportunity at the John H. Price Sports Center on campus. Students spend up to 10 hrs/week (100+ hours for a semester), volunteering under the close supervision of a member of the staff (the “external” supervisor) of the Sports Center. A member of the Sports Studies faculty will act as “internal” supervisor. Each student will be expected to provide a report of the outcomes of the experiential learning opportunity. These reports may take various forms (written, presentations, group presentation, public fitness training demonstration, etc.). Enrollment will be limited and only senior students in good standing (cumulative average 70% or above) will be eligible.

School of Education

EDU 115 – Elementary and Secondary
Five half day observation school visits. Tour of school. Assigned to classrooms to observe.

EDU 116 – Elementary and Secondary
Five half day observation school visits. Tour of school. Assigned to classrooms to observe.

EDU 215 – Elementary and Secondary
Fall and winter: Ten half day school observation and practice teaching sessions during each term. 2-3 half days of observation followed by teaching lessons starting in the 5th week as directed by the Associate Teacher. Five or more lessons will be taught in the second 10 weeks as directed by the Associate Teacher.

EDU 216 – Elementary and Secondary
Fall and winter: Ten half day school observation and practice teaching sessions during each term. 2-3 half days of observation followed by teaching lessons starting in the 5th week as directed by the Associate Teacher. Five or more lessons will be taught in the second 10 weeks as directed by the Associate Teacher.

EDU 328 – Elementary and Secondary
March/April – Six weeks. Observation for two days followed by 2-3 days of graduated teaching. The student teacher will assume a 60 % teaching load during this practicum.

EDU 329 – Elementary and Secondary
March/April – Six weeks. Observation for two days followed by 2-3 days of graduated teaching. The student teacher will assume a 60 % teaching load during this practicum.

EDU 428 – Elementary and Secondary
First 2 days of school- Aug.-Sept. Assisting the associate teacher to get ready for school plus observing how to develop school routines for the entire year. 4 day visit to Host School – Nov.-Dec. Host School Visits to orient the student teachers to the Internship placement school. Internship Practicum — Jan. – April. Initial observation and teaching individual lesson plans progressing to teaching learning and evaluation situations that have been developed collaboratively with the associate teacher. The student teacher will assume an 80% teaching load during this practicum.

EDU 429 – Elementary and Secondary
First 2 days of school- Aug.-Sept. Assisting the associate teacher to get ready for school plus observing how to develop school routines for the entire year. 4 day visit to Host School – Nov.-Dec. Host School Visits to orient the student teachers to the Internship placement school. Internship Practicum — Jan. – April. Initial observation and teaching individual lesson plans progressing to teaching learning and evaluation situations that have been developed collaboratively with the associate teacher. The student teacher will assume an 80% teaching load during this practicum.

Williams School of Business

BMG 318 – The Successful New Venture: Feasibility Analysis and the Management of Risk
Students will be introduced to the process of early stage business growth planning and feasibility. Students will work on a team project to apply analysis tools and recommendations in a “live” entrepreneurial business situation with a local business. The team will be coached throughout the process and present their findings and recommendations to the entrepreneur. The outcome for the student team is the understanding of the true entrepreneurial challenge and reality. Field work is supplemented by classroom lectures that further enhance the students’ grasp of small business development. Prerequisite: BMG 214

BMG 320 – Topics in Entrepreneurship
The course will present topics of current interest in the area of small business and entrepreneurship. Topics covered may vary from year to year and will be based on the expertise and interests of faculty members. This course should be of particular interest to those wishing to pursue small business and entrepreneurial activities of their own. Prerequisite: BMG 214

BMG 351ab – Independent Studies
Proposals for independent studies should be submitted to the faculty member who is to supervise the project. All such studies must be approved by the Department.

BMG 352 – Honours Project
The Honours project will be taken by all students accepted by the Department into the BBA Honours program. The student will select a topic in consultation with a professor in the concentration area. The completed project will be reviewed by three professors, two of which must be in the area, and be subject to an oral defence. Prerequisite: acceptance in the Honours program

BMG 391 – Co-operative Placement I
Students will integrate theory and practice through the analysis of an issue, opportunity or problem in some way related to the student’s work placement. Prerequisite: Admission to the Co-operative Education Program

BMG 392 – Co-operative Placement II
Students will integrate theory and practice through the analysis of an issue, opportunity or problem in some way related to the student’s work placement. Prerequisite: BMG 391

BMG 393 – Co-operative Placement II
Students will integrate theory and practice through the analysis of an issue, opportunity or problem in some way related to the student’s work placement. Prerequisite: BMG 392

Funded Internships

The Olney Family Internship with Rocky Mountain Adaptive

The Olney family paired with RMA offers an internship of $12,000.00 to Bishop’s University students, who are in the sports studies program. However, this internship is open to all areas of study. The students interested must create a plan that matches RMA’s ultimate goals. This is the second of a multi-year offer from the Olney family to support a Bishop’s student to realize a plan of their own creation, helping RMA with funding recruitment, new activities to implement, or ways to improve their current activities, etc. The chosen student will spend three months (from June-August) in Canmore, AB at the RMA site learning hands on about their goals.

The Tomlinson Internship

A Tomlinson Internship provides students practical experience opportunities related to their academic program while earning money to offset their educational costs. $20,000 is available each year to fund a number of interns. Directors, Managers, Coordinators or Department Chairs may apply for internships when the call for applications is sent each April from the Student Affairs Office. Students then apply on these positions.

The Desjardins Estrie-Preneur Internship Program

The Desjardins Estrie-Preneur Program aims to allow students to live a unique 8-week experience working on real issues and challenges faced by businesses and organizations in the Eastern Townships.

We are currently recruiting students and businesses / organizations for the 8th edition of the Desjardins Estrie-Preneur Internship Program.

The Malawi Project

The Malawi Project invites Bishop’s University students to participate in a research based experiential learning, independent study or internship program in the Kasungu region of Malawi, Africa. While living in the rural village of Makupo, students from multidisciplinary backgrounds engage in creating and exploring their own research interests in conjunction with professors, peers and members of the Makupo community. The result of the five week experience is meant to encourage students to creatively expand their own borders of learning through a spirit of reciprocal participation and dialogue.

The Mae Sot Education Project

The Mae Sot Education Project is a volunteer project to assist Burmese refugee and migrant children on the Thai-Burmese border, and to educate Canadians about the plight of people displaced by repression and conflict.

In recent years, more than a million Burmese people have been forced by economic hardship or political repression in Burma (Myanmar) to relocate to towns and refugee camps in Thailand. The Mae Sot Education Project is a small project that hopes to support the Burmese people in their struggle to create a new society free from military dictatorship in Burma by contributing to the education of Burmese migrant children in Thailand. It also tries to promote friendship and solidarity between the Burmese, Thais and Canadians and to deepen the global understanding of youth volunteers and other people in the Eastern Townships of Québec as well as in other parts of Canada.

For more information contact:

Mary Purkey
marypurkey@gmail.com
Mae Sot Education Project website
819-564-3666 ext. 210