Turn Your Skills Into Action
Put Theory into Practice with Experiential Learning
Take your learning out of the classroom and into the real-world with career-oriented experiences embedded into your degree. Previous opportunities for International Development students have included field school on food security in the Yukon, volunteering in the local Guelph community, studying international development in Singapore and completing a co-op work terms with the Canadian government.
Through opportunities like these, you will practice applying classroom theory to real-world problems, try out development work in different contexts and impact the issues you care about. Learn more about study abroad, course-based experiential learning, IDS Field Schools and volunteering.
- 34+ Countries
- available as study abroad options
- 2-6 Weeks
- of hands-on learning through field schools
- 16 Months
- of co-op work experience during your degree
Get Meaningful Work Experience with Co-op
As an International Development student, you have the option to pursue a co-op option for real-world work experience. You'll get a head start on building your professional networks and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace — all while getting paid and earning your degree.
International Development students have completed work terms such as:
- Campus and Community Integrated Learning Programs Assistant, University of Guelph Experiential Learning Hub
- Junior Policy Analyst, Public Safety Canada
- Junior Project Analyst, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
- Research Associate, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Research and Administrative Associate, Kuwait Aid Network
- Workplace Engagement Office, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin
The International Development Studies co-op program includes four work terms in addition to eight academic semesters for a total of four and a half years of study. As a co-op student you'll have access to jobs listed exclusively for U of G students on Experience Guelph, our university's job board.
Learn more about co-op program requirements.
"As an International Development Student, I knew that I needed to study abroad to get to know different cultures. Although going on exchange was one of the scariest things I've ever done in my life, it was also one of the most enriching. It has definitely broadened my horizons and made me more appreciative of different cultures."
Supporting Your Future Career
Need support in crafting your resume, preparing for an interview or bolstering your LinkedIn profile? The Experiential Learning Hub is a support service offered at the University of Guelph to help you launch your career and build the professional skills that will launch a meaningful career. You'll have access to career coaching, workshops, resources, networking opportunities and more.
Turn your Passion into Skills
Fueled by your passion, you'll choose one of five areas of emphasis that will help you develop the skills you need to impact the big issues facing our world that you care about the most.
Turn your Action into Change
After graduation, you'll launch an impactful career locally or abroad and join the community of GIDS alumni working around the world, using your expertise to enact equitable change.