International Exchange/Work Study DEVS 420*
One of the most attractive features of the Global Development Studies program at Queen's is the opportunity it affords students to complete a placement abroad and get hands-on field experience for credit. Many of our students maintain that their placement is the highlight of their academic career. The opportunity to study abroad is also an option for students in the program.
Students spend a term at a school that is located in Asia, Latin America, Africa or the successor states of the former Soviet Union. They may take courses that can be counted towards their DEVS and/or another disciplinary concentration (in the case of Medial students).
The academic requirements for the exchange itself (3.0 units) include: researching and applying to universities, writing a proposal, carrying out a thorough risk assessment, attending a pre-departure orientation session, keeping a journal for the duration of the exchange and writing a report upon return. The academic requirements for the exchange itself (3.0 units) include: researching and applying to universities, writing a proposal, carrying out a thorough risk assessment, attending a pre-departure orientation session, keeping a journal for the duration of the exchange and writing a report upon return.
NOTE: Students are normally responsible for all costs associated with participation in these courses. Students are also responsible for obtaining a Letter of Permission to study abroad through Queen's International Programs Office, and for arranging for the transfer of credits from the host institution to Queen's upon their return.
Advising
Professor Paritosh Kumar is the Placement Coordinator for Work Study placements and Exchanges in Development Studies. Please contact him directly for an appointment:
Destinations
Following is a list of some of the destinations where DEVS students have traveled to work and study:
Aboriginal Communities, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Laos, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nunavut, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, The Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, Zanzibar
Internships
Some of the organizations DEVS students have interned with are United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Oxfam, Shastri, Polaris Institute, World Bank, Canada World Youth, SOS Children’s Village, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Queen's Project in International Development etc.
Examples of types of projects are AIDS education, construction of houses, UNDP Internship in NYC, land erosion prevention, teaching mentally challenged children, working alongside and teaching English to migrant farm workers, working with media lobby groups re. human rights issues associated with the war on drugs, health education, teaching computer skills, cottage industry workshops for women, water sanitation projects, carrying out research for NGO head offices, working with new immigrants to Canada, organizing a summer camp for native children, writing and editing for a development magazine, alternate vocation training of former prostitutes, etc.
Value of these experiences: “The multitude of skills I have acquired and have been able to apply, the numerous contacts I’ve made, and the overwhelming satisfaction of contributing to this organization [I worked for] has made this one of the best experiences of my life” – DEVS student