CEWIL Resource Hub: Field Placement at York University

Students are prepared for their placements through three preparatory workshops, which address topics like cultural sensitivity and professionalism. They also participate in webinars facilitated by a course professor throughout the placement. At the end of the placement, students attend a post-placement workshop and participate in a two-week research capstone course, during which they lead seminars to share their learning with each other.

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Key success factors

  • Students can choose to complete their placement either locally or internationally, which makes placements more accessible, integrates global perspectives at a local level, and supports internationalization. 
  • Student alumni panels support the preparation process and engage in further reflection after finishing their placement. 
  • Placement supervisors and students are both given handbooks with additional resources about the placement, including key milestones and how to provide feedback.

Unique characteristics

  • The program that includes the placement is the first of its kind in Canada at the undergraduate level — students graduate with a degree in Global Health. 
  • The integration of theory and practice in the placement is key. During the experience, students often work on their own; this program offers support through the placement, and preparatory workshops before their placements begin. 

Challenges

  • The program is trying to build more sustainable partnerships and create continuity, e.g. students supporting the same projects and partner organizations over a series of distinct placements (one per student).
  • The program currently uses a tailored approach to matching students with projects: staff sit with students to understand their interests and goals, and try to match them with organizations that feel like good fits. However, this may need to be reconsidered from an operational perspective as the placement continues to become more popular. 

Resources

Key characteristics

  • Type: Field placement
  • Year program was established: 2017
  • Number of students per year: 25-35
  • Number of employers/partners per year: 20+
  • Programs/academic disciplines participating: Global Health Bachelor of Art/Bachelor of Science
  • Duration of experience: 11 weeks (250 hours), with some flexibility if needed for Reading Week, etc.
  • Submitted by: Anda Petro