Experiential Learning and Internships

United Nations Practicum

Each year the University sends a delegation to participate in the National Model United Nations (NMUN) simulation, held in New York City. In the year-long experiential course that is attached to this simulation student team members develop and improve their public speaking, negotiation, analytical analysis and writing skills in a practical environment.

More information on the NMUN practicum course.

European Union Study Tour and Internship Program

Every year the Department is able to send up to two students on the European Study Tour and Internship program. This program brings a small number of students from universities across Canada to a three-week immersion course in the European Union including visits to its major institutions, located in Brussels, Luxembourg, Strasbourg and Frankfurt. In addition to the Study Tour, the Network offers a number of qualified participants internship opportunities with EU institutions and other organizations following completion of the tour. Most internships are for two months but Internships of longer duration are often available.

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 program. 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). Previously, the internship was hosted by the Townshippers’ Association, a non-profit organization in the Eastern Townships. Today, the internship is hosted by the English-language CJMQ Community Radio Station in Lennoxville.

As a Bishop’s Alumna, I am proud to say that I had experienced one of the alternative learning experiences that Bishop’s has to offer. In 2018, I was honoured to have been selected as the recipient of the Nicholas Bachand Canadian Civil Society Internship. I interned as a political commentator for a local radio station in Lennoxville—CJMQ (88.9 FM). I called my series “politics in action”, which centered on the latest political news at the local, provincial and national level. Each week, I selected newsworthy stories, conducted further research on the issue, and prepared pre-recorded broadcasts. In one of my broadcasts for instance, I discussed the renegotiation of NAFTA and how amending Canada’s supply management could affect market competition and the potential impact on farmers’ livelihoods. As a political commentator, I was able to explore political issues more in-depth while gaining more hands-on experience working in the field of political communication. I spent four months as an intern before deciding to continue my “politics in action” series for the summer months. Eight months of radio broadcast allowed me to develop standards with reporting news, which included summarizing information in an efficient manner, reporting facts and making my broadcasts listener friendly. Overall, my experience with the Nicholas Bachand internship was invaluable to the development of my critical thinking skills as well as my ability to evaluate multiple sources of information. I hope that this experience will be as valuable to future interns as it was for me.
Emily Mason, 2018 intern

International Development Internship / International Studies Internship / Political Studies Internship

Students may also earn credits for internships of at least 4 weeks that they set up on their own.

In the past, various students have interned with organizations or with community groups working around the world through this option.

If this is of interest to you, please reach out to the Politics and International Studies department chair for more information.