International Development Studies Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
International Development Studies at the University of Guelph is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to engage in critical debates and discourse on local and global issues and challenges. The interdisciplinary nature of the IDS program allows students to draw on diverse methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives in their approach to research, project management and problem-solving. IDS students are well prepared to analyze alternative actions to bring about inclusive and sustainable change in Canada and the world.
University of Guelph Advantage
Guelph’s International Development Studies program explores the nature and impacts of economic and social development, in Canada and across the globe, from an interdisciplinary perspective. Prior to their first work term, students have studied economic theory, social justice, research methods, and have completed restricted electives from amongst gender, international and Canadian politics, food security, Indigenous studies and environmental sustainability. Students have the skills and ability to tackle complex global problems and are prepared for careers across the public and private sectors and in civil society organizations.
At the University of Guelph, the International Development Studies program allows students to focus their study in an area of emphasis, including:
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Development in the Canadian Context
- Development in Fragile Contexts
- Environment and Sustainable Development
Our co-op process responds to your needs. Employers can post, hire and interview throughout the semester and our students are available for 4 or 8 month work terms. The Experience Guelph hiring tool makes hiring Guelph co-op students easy!
Student Strengths
Critical Thinking
Strong analytical, research and critical thinking skills that can be applied to local and global issues.
Deep Understanding
Excellent grounding in international development theory, skills and practice. Meaningful engagement with local and international public, private and civil society organizations, as well as with individuals at the community level.
Communication
Intercultural communication skills that are effective and appropriate for diverse audiences.
International Development Studies Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Work | Academic | Academic |
| FOUR | Academic | Work | Work |
| FIVE | Academic |
International Development Studies Course Sequencing
Based on the 2023/24 undergraduate calendar. Please see the current undergraduate calendar for more information.
Fall
- Understanding Development and Global Inequalities
- 4 Electives/Restricted Electives
Winter
- Poverty, Food, and Hunger (For the Agriculture and Food Security Area of Emphasis)
- 4 Electives/ Restricted Electives (For the Agriculture and Food Security Area of Emphasis)
- 5 Electives/Restricted Electives
Fall
- The Development Landscape: Actors and Institutions
- Policy, Economy, and Society
- Research in International Development
- Introduction to Co-operative Education
- Plant Agriculture For International Development (completed for the Agriculture and Food Security Area of Emphasis)
- 1 Elective/Restricted Elective (completed for the Agriculture and Food Security Area of Emphasis)
- Canadian Government And Politics (completed for the Development in the Canadian Context Area of Emphasis)
- 1 Electives/Restricted Electives (completed for the Development in the Canadian Context Area of Emphasis)
- 2 Electives/Restricted Electives (completed for the Development in Fragile Contexts Area of Emphasis)
- Environment, Justice And Society (completed for the Environment and Sustainable Development Area of Emphasis)
- Society, Knowledge Systems, And Environment (completed for the Environment and Sustainable Development Area of Emphasis)
Winter
- Theoretical Perspectives On Development
- Development, Social Justice And Human Rights
- 3 Electives/ Restricted Electives
- Contemporary Indigenous Peoples in Canada (completed for the Development in the Canadian Context Area of Emphasis)
- 2 Electives/ Restricted Electives (completed for the Development in the Canadian Context Area of Emphasis)
Summer
Work Term One
Fall
Work Term TwoWinter
- Managing and Evaluating Change in Development
- Achieving Sustainable Development
- 3 Electives/ Restricted Electives
Summer
- 5 Electives/ Restricted Electives
Fall
- Poverty and Inequality
- Engaging in Development Practice
- 3 Electives/ Restricted Electives
- Conflict and Conflict Resolution (completed for the Development in Fragile Contexts Area of Emphasis)
- 2 Electives/Restricted Electives (completed for the Development in Fragile Contexts Area of Emphasis)
Winter
Work Term ThreeSummer
Work Term Four
Fall
- Development in Action
- Advocating and Effecting Change in Development Policy and Practice
- 2 Electives/Restricted Electives
Winter
Off
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.