Promising Practices in North-South Youth Internships

IVCO October 21, 2014

Lima, Peru

Overview

• Background

• Research findings

• Recommendations

• Next steps

Canadian student mobility context• While student mobility is a priority, most students are looking to conduct

academic coursework abroad

Course work

Field schools

Service/volunteer opportunities

Research

Work (incl. co-ops/internships)

97%

70%

67%

67%

66%

International experience opportunities offered by Canadian universities in 2012-2013

Developed/developing countries

• Although internationalization is a priority for universities, most programs focus on developed countries

Research methodology and findings

Research questions

• Did Students for Development Program (SFD) contribute to development?

• What were the benefits and challenges for host organizations, students and universities?

• What actions can be taken in future programs to maximize the benefits for all parties?

Data collection

• Review of 952 questionnaires completed after each internship (2009-2013)

• Survey of 2005-2012 alumni (301 resp. of 1,105)

• Workshop with 27 Canadian university representatives

• Interviews with 12 most active overseas hosts

• 2013 monitoring visits – 32 hosts, 70 interns, 6 uni reps

Contributions to development: Hosts

“The intern was able to make a positive contribution to the needs of our organization.” (952)

1% 17% 82%

Disagree Agree Strongly agree

Host said interns helped them:

• Conduct research and develop policy reports and articles• Develop databases, websites and other IT tools• Organize and deliver workshops and training• Connect with other organizations domestically and

internationally• Obtain new sources of funding and materials• Gain new perspectives on their work

Challenges: Hosts

Improve student preparations

Improve match between student skillsets and hosts' needs

Lengthen internships

Provide more funding to interns and/or hosts

74%

48%

13%

9%

Recommendations from 69 organizations that hosted 2012 and 2013 interns

Contributions to development: Students

“I was able to make a positive contribution to the needs of the host organization.”

952 questionnaires

301 alumni surveys

Canadian interns said internships helped them:

• Acquire new knowledge, skills, attitudes, and connections• Increase their commitment to development • Increase their employability, often in jobs related to

development

3% 25% 72%

Disagree Agree Strongly agree

3% 6% 58% 34%

Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree

Contributions to development: Students

Sharing internship experience with others

Volunteering with NGOs working in development

Participating in fundraising activities for agencies working in development

Other

Not active in this area

77%

39%

37%

22%

9%

Alumni continuing to promote awareness and support for development by:

Challenges: Students

Adapting to a different culture/language barrier

Not enough support from Canada or the host

Ability to achieve goals/ make contribution

The country's challenges/politics

Relating to others

Illness/health issues

Leaving host country/issues upon return

Other

Don't know/no comment

None

37%

24%

19%

13%

9%

3%

2%

6%

4%

2%

Greatest challenges as an intern (301 alumni)

Contributions to development: Universities

“Overall the university is satisfied with the results of this internship.” (560)

Universities said SFD helped them to:

• Inspire students to learn about and contribute to development, and in some cases pursue international careers

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams on development projects• Link their research and teaching to development goals• Strengthen and expand their international partnerships (spin-off activities)• Attract international students to study in Canada

2% 10% 88%

Disagree Agree Strongly agree

Challenges: Universities

• Internships require considerable human/financial resources (at the expense of other activities)

• Managing expectations and risks

• Ensuring students complete reintegration activities

• Facilitating processes for obtaining academic credits

Design Recommendations

• Develop internships within multi-year projects

• Encourage two-way internships and student connections

• Program internships of longer than three months when possible

• Provide appropriate funding for internships

• Encourage stronger partnership between university and Southern partner based on links for ongoing research, teaching and social engagement

• Foster clear communications among all parties, especially regarding objectives and expectations

• Track outcomes over the long term

Next Steps

• Continue research on understanding of best practices globally

• Hold learning workshop in 2015/2016• Develop new internship programs

Thank you! Gracias!

For more information please contact:

Philip Landonplandon@aucc.ca

Claire Millingtoncmillington@aucc.ca