The scheme is a partnership between Universities UK International (UUKi) and Mitacs, and involves 70 Canadian institutions, many of which Exeter already partners with for student exchange.

Exeter students embark on virtual study abroad internship

University of Exeter students are soon to take part in a virtual internship with universities in Canada, proving that interest in overseas experiences remains high despite COVID-19.

Six University of Exeter students will be participating in The Globalink Research Internship - a competitive 12 week-fully funded Canadian internship programme for undergraduates before they enter their final year.

Despite it being the first year Exeter has participated in the programme, the scheme attracted considerable interest from students. Across the UK over 1, 300 nominations were received with only 51 places awarded, from 16 participating universities. 

The six students taking part are from the College of Social Sciences and International Studies, the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, the College of Medicine and Heath and the College of Humanities.

Due to the pandemic the internships will now take place virtually.

Tilly Chapman, a BA CH Classics and Theology student who will be doing her online internship with Université de Montréal to work on a digital collaboratory edition of Greek Anthology, said: “I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Although it’s a shame that I won’t be travelling to Montreal, I still think the internship is a great opportunity to experience new things and meet new people online.”

The scheme is a partnership between Universities UK International (UUKi) and Mitacs, and involves 70 Canadian institutions, many of which Exeter already partners with for student exchange.

The University of Exeter will contribute a third of the total value per studentship, with Mitacs funding the reaming two-thirds.

The process has been managed by the Global Opportunities Team, who provide dedicated support on matters relating to Global Opportunities for students across a range of activities and programmes.

Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, Professor of Mathematics for Healthcare and Associate Dean (Global), said: "Global Opportunities are critical for expanding students' academic horizons via experiencing different styles of teaching and research.

“It is a clear indication of open mind, resourcefulness, and drive needed to adapt to different environments in a global context.

“I am very pleased to see two of our College students embarking on this exciting opportunity during the summer!”

Anna Moscrop, Global Opportunities Manager at the University of Exeter, said: “The University of Exeter Global Opportunities team have continued to offer a range of exciting and engaging experiences throughout the pandemic to ensure all students could benefit from a global opportunity via online learning, working, summer schools and global leaders experiences when an in country placement may not have been possible.

“The appetite from students for these opportunities, their dedication, and engagement with the learning provided by prestigious education providers such as MITACS has been beyond impressive and serves as a reminder that University of Exeter students are truly Global 21^st Century Citizens.” 

Date: 10 May 2021