Internships & Experiential Learning

Experiential learning programs provide a hands-on approach that helps you deepen your knowledge while building practical skills. By engaging in these opportunities, you can prepare for your future career and develop the abilities employers value most, including problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork, and critical thinking. Whether through internships, academic certificates, courses, field studies, or study abroad, you’ll find a wide range of options designed to help you confidently transition from your time in Arts and Science to what comes next.

Taking part in experiential learning can meaningfully enhance both your academic journey and your professional development. It allows you to connect theory with real-world application, strengthen your ability to think critically and reflect on your experiences, and improve your problem-solving skills. You’ll also have opportunities to engage with diverse communities, communicate effectively across different audiences and formats, and build resilience and confidence along the way.

Internships

The Queen’s Undergraduate Internship Program (QUIP) provides you with a 12 to 16 month work experience during your academic journey. QUIP internships are competitively paid, professionally supervised, career-related positions designed to offer you the opportunity to gain practical experience, while applying your academic skills in a work setting and developing industry connections.

QUIP helps you gain hands-on experience in your field and build the skills employers value. With flexible start dates QUIP also helps you grow your professional network, connect with industry leaders, and return to your studies with greater confidence and insight.

To register for QUIP, you must be in your second or third year of studies in a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours) programs and have a minimum GPA of 1.9. You will maintain your student status and are required to return to Queen’s to complete your degree requirements after the internship.

Departments in FAS also offer subject-based internship/work study courses including Computing, Global Development Studies, History, Kinesiology and Health Studies, and Political Studies.

Upcoming information sessions:

Wednesday, June 3 – Online - Register
Thursday, July 16 – Online - Register
Tuesday, August 11 – Online - Register

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Study Abroad

Earn credit toward your degree while studying in another country. Whether you wish to complete a full course load during a year or term abroad, or earn a single credit during a short-term program in another country, the IPO (International Programs Office) will work with you to identify a program suited to your learning goals.

Arts and Science offers a wide range of international exchange and study abroad opportunities through partnerships with over 85 universities in 24 countries, as well as consortial programs that expand access to additional institutions worldwide. FAS departments also offer study abroad course options.

Students pursuing study abroad outside of formal exchange agreements must apply for an International Letter of Permission to ensure transfer credits are recognized toward their degree. The IPO provides guidance throughout the process and also administers the Certificate in International Studies, allowing students to integrate language, cultural learning, and international experience into their degree and graduate with a globally focused academic credential. Financial support is available through scholarships, bursaries, and awards.

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Certificates

Certificates offer a flexible way to expand your education, add credentials, and stand out in the job market. You can choose a certificate that complements your main field of study or explore something new, demonstrating your ability to learn across disciplines and engage with different areas of knowledge while building valuable skills. A Queen’s certificate adds distinction to your resume and demonstrates your initiative which gives you a competitive advantage in your future career.

View our Certificates

You can do the Smith School of Business Certificate in Business to learn business fundamentals, accounting, marketing, finance, and more or the Certificate in Law, which will teach you about Canadian, corporate, intellectual property, international law, and more.