International Experiential Learning

STU’s International Experiential Learning Program provides students with the opportunity to add a global experience to their degrees. Through funding from Global Skills Opportunity via Universities Canada, we can also provide financial support to make these experiences more accessible. 

“I never wanted to be just a tourist. I went to Costa Rica to learn, and I wanted to experience a culture I had never seen before.” - Manny Jackson

Trip to: Costa Rica
Hometown: Oromocto, NB
Major(s): Fine Arts and Sociology

“I was already interested in pursuing International Social Work as a career path, which is one of the big reasons I chose to go on this experience. However, this trip changed the way I see myself doing this kind of work: rather than working directly with international clients to provide services, I learned on this trip how powerful it can be to help local organizations develop, expand, and be more interculturally focused.” - Victoria Patterson

Trip to: Guatemala
Hometown: Saint John, NB
Major(s): Psychology and Social Work

“One of the most positive aspects of this experience was making connections and seeing the smiles brough to others by lending a helping hand. It made me realize that small efforts make big impacts. You can help and you can serve. You just have to set your mind to it and be determined. I would recommend this experience to anyone as it opens your eyes to the real world and changes how you help.” - Jonathan DesRoches

Trip to: Greece
Hometown: Hampton, NB
Major(s): Communications & Public Policy, and Economics

Common questions:

What type of experiential learning are possible?

• Group volunteering and community work: supporting the work of or a project from a non-profit organization or community abroad to help meet the goals and the needs of their community. Reflection and learning objectives are an important part of this experience.
  • We organize student group trips abroad throughout the year, usually once per term (Fall, Winter and Spring).
• Internships: student proposed internship outside of Canada. Internships are a way of gaining international work experience, while also making links between your studies and the skills you are developing. Internships abroad may or may not be paid, depending on the destination.
• Semester abroad: Adding work, internship, or volunteer experience to our pre-established International Exchange program managed by international@stu.ca.

What is the length of an experiential learning group trip abroad?

Group trips are usually at least one week in length.

Where can I go?

We develop partnerships with several countries and support global citizenship all over the world. Students in the international experiential learning program are planning to go and have gone to:

• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Ecuador
• Guatemala
• Greece
• Honduras
• Netherlands
• Peru

We are excited to expand our destination opportunities every year!

What are the requirements to participate?

Students who have completed at least one year of studies at STU are eligible. All academic majors or programs of study accepted (Bachelor of Arts, Education, and Social Work). There will be a separate application form for each group trip we organize, and you will be notified of specific requirements.

Why participate in the International Experiential Learning Program?

• Experience first-hand and learn about a culture different than yours.
• Offers a new global perspective on everyday issues and topics.
• Apply your learning from courses into the global scene.
• Adding an international element to your education will broaden your perspective of the applicability of academic theory.
• You will have comprehensive personal, professional, and financial support to ensure you return to Canada with newfound competencies.
• Graduate school programs and employers value international work or volunteer experience in their applicants, so by participating, you will be able to stand out in application pools!

What financial support can I access to travel?

STU Experiential Learning has funding available through our Global Skills Opportunity partnership. This is meant to provide students seeking to travel outside of Canada as part of our group trips for experiential learning purposes, or to complete virtual global volunteer/internship work. Funding may cover expenses such as: flight purchases, accommodations, and program fees.

What kind of supports are available for me to go on an international experience?

• Pre-departure: Before you leave to your destination outside of Canada, you will have the opportunity to complete a series of preparation modules. These will include: travel checklists, intercultural awareness, budgeting, personal safety plans, and health and wellness tips.
• During: While you are completing your international experiential learning opportunity, you will complete reflection exercises. These reflections will be used to capture and track your learning and personal development.
• Post-experience: Upon your return to Canada, you will be able to reflect on the growth and development experienced abroad and finalize modules on: career planning, communicating your experience to graduate schools and employers post-graduation, and wrapping it up with a presentation of your experience.

Questions : experientialoffice@stu.ca