Promising Practices in North-South Youth Internships IVCO October 21, 2014 Lima, Peru.
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Transcript of Promising Practices in North-South Youth Internships IVCO October 21, 2014 Lima, Peru.
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 [email protected]
Claire [email protected]