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International Internships

International Internships take place outside of Canada, some in school settings, and some in non-school settings. Although the majority of International Internships take place in international schools, some occur in a variety of non-school settings, for example, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), museums, ESL programs, etc. Every year Teacher Candidates complete Internships outside of Canada including Internships in New York, Hawaii, Israel, Costa Rica, Australia, France, Italy, Jamaica and Vietnam.

If you are interested in completing an internship outside Canada, note that OISE does not support internships that involve travel to locations where the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAIT) has issued an advisory against travel. All International Internships require approval by the Academic Internship Coordinator before proceeding with travel plans. Teacher Candidates participating in International Internships assume all risk and liabilities associated with their participation, including recognition of the fact that a Teacher Candidate can only begin their Internship following the successful completion of two practice teaching sessions.

The total cost of participating in an International Internship is the sole responsibility of the Teacher Candidate. The bursary committee will not fund the Internship, and there are many costs involved. For example, participants must purchase adequate sickness and accident insurance, with coverage for medical costs overseas. Visa requirements often involve additional costs.

If you are interested in doing an International Internship, you are encouraged to attend a General Information Meeting on Wed., October 3, 2012; 8:00 - 8:45am at OISE in Room 8-280 . PowerPoint from this 2012 meeting.

Teacher Candidates participating in an International Internship are also required to attend a pre-departure session organized by the University of Toronto’s Safety Abroad Office, as well as submit an International Requirements form when submitting the Action Plan Agreement.

“Creative Fundraising for your International Internship”

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

5:00 – 6:00 pm

Rm. 8-280

Please email Leah Burns to let her know you will be attending the meeting. leahkburns@gmail.com

Thinking about an international Internship?

An international Internship offers Teacher Candidates a unique opportunity to complete their OISE teacher education program in an international setting. Here are some of the benefits:

opportunity for a cross-cultural experience, either in a school setting or a non-school setting, to increase one's intercultural awareness and skills
support your development as a global citizen
increase job skills and employability, and broaden employment opportunities
opportunity to increase one's independence, self-esteen and the potential for a transformative personal and professional experience!

As you consider an international Internship, be aware of...

SAFETY – International Internships can only be arranged in countries that are appropriate for Canadian visitors, as determined by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT). Please check travel reports and warnings for all countries.
COSTS – International Internships involve costs (e.g., airfare, accommodation, immunizations, etc.), and Teacher Candidates are responsible for these costs. There are no bursaries available to support International Internships (because it is an optional program), but TCs are encouraged to creatively and resourcefully think about how funds might be raised to support an international Internship.
TIME – International Internships take a great deal of time to research and arrange. Teacher Candidates interested in pursuing an International Internship need to start this process earlier rather than later. Attending the "Preliminary Information Session" on International Internships is also recommended.
EMPLOYMENT – Many Teacher Candidates wonder if traveling abroad during a busy employment time is a disadvantage due to one’s lack of availability for job interviews, etc. Although this may be seen as a disadvantage (TC’s in the past have been very creative and resourceful in how they address this concern), this needs to be balanced with the International opportunity that is gained through this experience, and is often recognized as such by potential employers.
WHERE DO I BEGIN? – Most TC’s begin with knowing a country they would like to visit, and then going after an opportunity there. ("Going after" means doing a lot of on-line research, sharing your interest with others to see if you can find a contact in that country, etc.). Others know they have accommodation in a particular city, and then work through this contact to identify possible Internship opportunities.