- What is a Practicum?
- Academic Credit
- Who is Eligible?
- Prerequisites
- Where Do I Start?
- Local Placements
- International Placements
- Helpful Websites
- Helpful Information for International Travel
The Menno Simons College practicum is a supervised work experience in a setting related to International Development or Conflict Resolution. It is a chance to get work experience related to your studies and integrate your work experience with the rest of your courses.
Some students complete their practicum in Winnipeg, while others seek placements around the world. A local placement is approximately 80 hours of ‘on-site’ work over the span of one or two school terms. An international placement involves a minimum of three months in another country.
All students will integrate theory with practice through seminar participation and academic assignments. The final grade of pass or fail is base on two aspects: i) the evaluation of the site supervisor, and ii) academic assignments. The academic assignments are graded by IDS and CRS faculty members.
2. Academic CreditUpon successful completion of the practicum placement, students receive 3 hours of academic credit towards a B.A. in IDS or CRS. In the case of an international placement of extended duration, a student may be eligible to receive 6 credit hours (as determined by the Practicum Director).
A practicum is required for a four-year B.A. in IDS or CRS, and is optional in the three-year B.A. programs. In order to register for a practicum, students are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and must complete the following courses:
4. Prerequisites:
Prerequisites for CRS practicum:
CRS-1200/6 Introduction to Conflict Resolution Studies
CRS-2210/3 Conflict Theory & Analysis
CRS-2211/1.5 Conciliation Skills Workshop
CRS-3220/3 Models for Conflict Transformation
CRS-3221/1.5 Mediation Skills Workshop
Prerequisites for IDS practicum:
IDS-1100/6 Introduction to International Development Studies
IDS-2110/3 Participatory Local Development
IDS-3111/3 An Analysis of Development Aid Policies
First, consult with the MSC Academic Advisor to ensure that you have the prerequisites needed to apply for a practicum.
Next, do some research to find a suitable placement and present your idea(s) to the Practicum Director or MSC Academic Advisor for approval. Do this at least 3 months before the start of a local practicum, and at least 6 months before the start of an international practicum.
If you are having difficulty finding a placement, the MSC Academic Advisor can provide you with some possible organizations and identify people to contact. Ultimately, it is the student's responsibility to find a suitable placement.
Next, submit a Local or International Practicum Application Form. If you apply for an international practicum, you also need to submit a Budget Form. Note: MSC offers partial financial assistance to each IDS or CRS student participating in an international practicum.
Finally, you receive permission from the Practicum Director to register for the appropriate practicum course and register for the course.
6. Local Placements
Local placements are available for both CRS and IDS students.
A local practicum can be completed on a part-time basis over one or two academic semesters. Students must volunteer with an organization for approximately 80 hours.
In addition to written requirements for all practicum placements, local practicums require participation in two practicum seminars.
Local practicums cover a wide range of organizations. For possible local placements, see the following lists:
CRS Organizations
IDS Organizations
International placements are available to both IDS and CRS students.
All costs are the responsibility of the student, including airfare, accommodation, insurance and immunizations.
Some financial support is available for international practicums. Please contact the Practicum Director by email or phone (204) 953-3848. Or you can contact the MSC Academic Advisor for more information by email or phone (204) 953-3845.
Pre-departure orientation and re-entry debriefing sessions are held for each MSC international traveler. The Practicum Director helps with logistical and cultural preparation for an international placement (see International Practicum Checklist).
Possible international organizations include those with on-going relationships to MSC (e.g. Mennonite Central Committee, Nairobi Peace Initiative, Kabarole Research and Resource Centre in Uganda) or students may find a position through an international volunteer agency or personal contacts.
For a list of international practicum ideas, click here.
MSC students have traveled to over 50 different countries and have recently returned from placements in Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, India, Nepal and Cambodia, among others.
8. Helpful Websites for International Volunteering
CUSO/VSO
International Volunteer Programs Association
Canadian Bureau for International Education
Queens University – international programs (lots of links!)
Volunteer Abroad – specifically for students
Volunteer Abroad – an extensive database of volunteer organizations
University of Michigan – volunteer opportunities
PlanetEdu
Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects – volunteer programs in Canada and abroad
Conrad Grebel University College – Peace and Conflict Field Studies Listing
Helpful Information for International Travel
Passports
Canadian Passport Applications, 433 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Immunizations
While your family doctor may be able to give you the information and immunizations you need, not all immunizations are available at every clinic. We recommend you check with a travel clinic, such as Skylark Medical Clinic (204-453-9107), Travel Health and Tropical Medicine Services (204-940-8747) or Journey's Travel Clinic (204-982-9500).
Travel Information
Consular Affairs for Canada
To register on-line in the country you are visiting, click here.
Country Specific Information
Centre for Intercultural Learning - Country Insights
Canadian Bureau for International Education – a good pre-/post-departure workshop
