International FAQ
What international opportunities are available to me?
Why participate in an international mobility activity?
As globalization takes on increasing importance, gaining international experience will allow you to learn more about your host country and leave you with a different perspective on your country of origin and on yourself. It will also be an asset in future job searches.
Is it possible to do an internship, a field research course and an exchange during one program of studies?
International opportunities complement one another. More than one international mobility activity can count towards your program of study.
International Internships
When should I apply?
International internships are offered every session. You should apply at the beginning of the session preceding your internship. For deadlines, see the Important Dates and Events.
At the beginning of each academic session, we offer information sessions on international internships. The dates are posted on our website.
Can the internship count for university credits?
Your internship can count for three, six or nine university credits, depending on your program. You can add six credits by taking the two intensive courses available after you complete your internship. These courses count for optional or elective credits, depending on your program.
How long is an internship?
12 weeks
Where can I go?
Every session, there are nearly 70 internships offered in approximately 20 countries.
What are the admission requirements for international internships?
For your application to be considered, you must have completed 54 credits and be registered full time in an honours bachelor programme in the Faculty of Social Sciences. You must also have a CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of 6.0. Graduate students can also undertake an international internship as part of their program.
See more on international internship admission requirements.
What do international internships cost?
A session abroad costs the same amount as a session in Ottawa. Students who participate in internships offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences through agreements established with Canadian NGOs pay internship and tuition fees according to the number of credits earned. See a list of international internship costs.
Field research courses
When should I apply?
Field research courses take place every year during the Spring/Summer session. The application process starts in November of the previous year. Deadlines are posted on our website in the “Important Dates and Events” section.
We hold an information session in mid-October. The exact date will be posted on our website.
Can field research courses count for university credits?
These courses can count for six optional or elective credits, depending on your program.
What do field research courses cost?
Costs vary by destination. You pay for transportation, accommodation and the tuition fees for the number of credits earned. See a list of field research courses costs.
How long is a field research course?
Three weeks.
Where can I go?
Destinations change from one year to the next. The Faculty offers at least four choices of destination each year. View the offered field research courses.
Can I participate in more than one field research course?
Yes.
International exchanges
What is the difference between an international exchange and an international internship?
Internships are 12 weeks long and consist of unpaid work abroad. During internships, students work with local NGOs and learn more about their host countries.
International exchanges allow full-time students to study abroad in universities that have bilateral agreements with the University of Ottawa. They can last one or two sessions.
Learn more about international exchanges on the International Office website or email uointl@uOttawa.ca.
Model United Nations course
Learn more about the Model United Nations course
Learn more about the Model United Nations course or email Madeleine Roy at fssinternational@uOttawa.ca.