Promising Practices in North-South Youth Internships

IVCO October 21, 2014 Lima, Peru

Overview •

Background

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Research findings

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Recommendations

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Next steps

Canadian student mobility context

• While student mobility is a priority, most students are looking to conduct academic coursework abroad

International experience opportunities offered by Canadian universities in 2012-2013

Course work Field schools Service/volunteer opportunities Research Work (incl. co-ops/internships)

70% 67% 67% 66% 97%

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)

Disagree Agree Strongly agree 17% 82% 1% 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 Recommendations from 69 organizations that hosted 2012 and 2013 interns

Improve student preparations Improve match between student skill sets and hosts' needs Lengthen internships Provide more funding to interns and/or hosts

9% 13% 48% 74%

Contributions to development: Students

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

Disagree Agree Strongly agree 952 questionnaires 3% 25% 72% Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree

301 alumni surveys

3% 6% 58% 34% 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

Contributions to development: Students Alumni continuing to promote awareness and support for development by:

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

9% 22% 39% 37% 77%

Challenges: Students Greatest challenges as an intern (301 alumni)

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

2% 3% 4% 6% 2% 9% 13% 19% 24% 37%

Contributions to development: Universities

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

Disagree Agree Strongly agree 2% 10% 88% 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

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

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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 Landon [email protected]

Claire Millington [email protected]