Six weeks that will
change your life

Each summer, the International Seminar offers Canadian postsecondary students an initial experience in a developing country. Under the supervision of internship coordinators, the young participants collaborate with students from the host country on a common field project covering a predetermined development issue. The proposed project provides tangible support for the work of Uniterra local partner organizations in Africa, Latin America or Asia. Upon returning to Canada, the seminar participants share their experiences on their campuses and with their communities through awareness activities.

Operation of the International Seminar includes a one-week pre-departure training course in Canada, an orientation session in the host country, a short-term internship project component and other program activities, ending with a few days of presentations and reports. Lodgings may vary from host families to university residences. After the Seminar, students take part in development education activities in the form of presentations, on-line reports and multimedia productions.

Follow the participants in the 2013 International Seminar to Guatemala on Facebook!

Next seminar

Dates: July 8 to August 19, 2013 (Dates are not fixed, they might change)

Theme: The impact of volunteerism on sustainable development in Guatemala

More information on the theme for this year.

Conditions for participation

Expenses covered by the program include:

Pre-departure training course in Canada
Round-trip air ticket
Accommodations
Meals
Health insurance
Visa and recommended vaccines

Those who become participants in the Seminar agree to make a minimal financial contribution in the amount of $3,500 to cover part of the total cost of their participation. The Uniterra team can provide support for their financing campaign.

Selection criteria

Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents;
Be currently registered at a Canadian university or college;
Be returning to a Canadian post-secondary institution in the Fall following the Seminar;
Have a basic knowledge of Spanish and the interest to learn it more or have a beginner level or more of proficiency in Spanish;
Have a demonstrated interest in development issues and be willing to carry-out public engagement activities;
Have a demonstrated interest in the host country and region;
Have a good academic record;
Being in good physical condition;
Be open minded, respectful and tolerant;
Skills in analysis, research and report writing;
Team spirit;
Capacity for adaptation.