Exchanges and Internships

Whether you’re planning to add an international exchange, internship, or simply enrolling in internationally-focused courses during your time at Glendon, the benefits of our global perspective can enrich your life in a number of ways.

 

Study Abroad

Going on an exchange is one of the best ways to gain an understanding of other cultures and countries, develop political opinions through real-world experience, and promote understanding and respect between cultures and peoples. It’s also a great way to get noticed by employers: the language skills acquired – whether learning French in France, Dutch in the Netherlands, or Spanish in Mexico or Spain – can only benefit you in the future.

An Inside Look

Every year, Glendon sends over 100 students abroad to take advantage of our connections for an international exchange or internship. Here’s just a few of their experiences:

Consider an international exchange or internship to round out your university experience.

Asha is a third year International Studies student currently on exchange in the Netherlands.

Check out Asha’s blog to read about her European adventures.

“Being on exchange was a fantastic experience. I met amazing people, my classes were enriching, and I learned so much about myself. Studying abroad opened my eyes to the world that has been waiting around me.”


Michelle is a Glendon alumna who spent a semester abroad in Ireland.

She documented her exchange on her blog, so read all about her travel experiences here.

“My  semester in Ireland was an incredible experience. I became much more independent… confident and maybe even “worldly”. I saw a small snippet of this beautiful world and it’s really motivated to work as hard as possible so I can see more of it.”


take four-5976

Jennifer, a fourth year student in International Studies and History, spent her third year of school studying in the Netherlands.

Check out Jennifer’s blog to read about her year abroad.

 “My year abroad changed my life.  I learned so many things about both myself and the world. Not only did I get to see beautiful places and meet beautiful people, but I fell in love with travel and adventure in a way I never believed possible.”


gillian

 Gillian spent a year abroad in Brussels, Belgium in her third year at Glendon. Now an alumna, Gillian graduated with her BEd and is a teacher.

Read about Gillian’s exchange on her blog.

“Since I moved back from my exchange in Brussels, I’ve noticed a massive change in how I see my hometown. I explore, I appreciate my surroundings, and I have grown fond of anything and everything local… It’s amazing to look at where you grew up through a different lens; a lens that has learned a lot from spending time in new and exciting places.”

 

Make Your Exchange Work for You

    • Partially fund your exchange with the York International Mobility Award (up to $1000)
    • Glendonites can choose from host universities through Glendon and Keele campuses
    • Earn credits that count towards your degree
    • Choose from a semester abroad or a full year adventure

Between Both Campuses, Exchange Countries Can Include:

Australia
Austria
Barbados
Belgium

Brazil
Canada – Quebec
China
Denmark
Ecuador
England
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Guyana
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Mexico
Netherlands
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Russia
Singapore
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Trinidad & Tobago
Turkey
USA
Uruguay
Venezuela

.

Working Abroad

For a more professional experience overseas, take advantage of York’s International Internship Program (YIIP). Students spend a summer doing research, field work, teaching, working for a government or non-profit organization, and travelling while gaining experience in the global workforce. From El Savador to Turkey, these opportunities are offered in a number of countries.

Visit the York International Internship Program for more details.

An Inside Look

Juan is a final-year Sociology and Drama Studies major who did an internship in Ottawa with Fulbright Canada, a not-for-profit treaty-based organization, that connects students, teachers, researchers and scholars from Canada and the United States for research and educational opportunities.

Read about his experience in the program here.

“My time in Ottawa gave me a great glimpse of what working after graduation will be like. With a future in university administration, my time with Fulbright Canada was perfect to show how educational partners work together. Living in the nation’s capital allowed me to learn more about Canada and what makes this country so great.”


Kelly is an International Studies alumna who interned for the Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Research (COTERC ) as a turtle monitor in Costa Rica.

Check out Part I and Part II of her internship blog posts.

 “I had never thought I’d be able to have such an amazing opportunity to work for an organization outside my field of study. My time as a Turtle Monitor Intern solidified the importance and versatility of an interdisciplinary approach.  I was able to contribute through utilizing critical thinking skills to recognize the interconnectedness. Besides that, who wouldn’t appreciate the overwhelming beauty of biodiversity in Costa Rica.”

Staying Local, Being Global

With students, professors, and staff representing over 130 countries and over 100 languages on campus, Glendonites also enjoy a rich cultural and linguistic diversity right in our own backyard.

100% of our students study in English and French, with a growing number of students opting to study in Spanish. Between In addition to our language classes in Catalan, Ojibwa, and Romanian, Glendonites have access to 20+ languages at the Keele campus. (Japanese is a hugely popular option.)

Looking for cultural experiences outside of the classroom? There’s plenty of options on campus and right in Toronto, including:

  • Getting your salsa on at a Latin dance class with the Spanish Club
  • Debating global issues with the Model United Nations Club (with a chance to attend a large model UN conference in Montreal).
  • Sampling international flavours by visiting Toronto’s multicultural communities; authentic Korean, Portuguese, and Indian dishes are all a short subway ride away
  • Learning from the experts by attending a lecture from a high-profile international figure such as Roméo Dallaire or Saad Rafi, the CEO of the 2015 Pan-Am Games

Outside of clubs and events, Glendon provides many hands-on learning opportunities for students to develop transferable skills within our internationally-focused framework.