University of Exeter: Exeter students selected for 12-week Canadian internship
The scheme has a particularly high number of applicants from students this year due to Mitacs receiving additional funding from the Canadian federal government to fund a greater number of placements. Also it will be the first time that students will embark on a physical placement due to COVID-19. This year, around 500 applicants applied for the internship across the UK and approximately only one in 10 applicants were successful.
The fully-funded international internship provides students of different universities a platform to work together on a project under the supervision of Canadian University professors in several academic disciplines. The Globalink Research Internship aims to build a bridge between Canada and emerging international research talent at undergraduate levels.
The 18 students taking part are from across the spectrum of academic disciplines on offer at Exeter from both its Streatham and Penryn campuses, with students represented from five Colleges.
Joe Deabreu, a second year law with business (LLB) student and one of the Globalink’s Internship candidates said: ‘’I applied to the Mitacs Globalink Internship programme for several reasons. I sought the opportunity to experience research in another country, and make contributions towards a project that will shape the future of the literature within a field outside of my usual area of study. Since taking part in this programme, I’ve managed to meet many great people, learn a lot about my chosen discipline, and explore some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Beyond this, I’m proud to say that I expect to leave my project as a credited co-author of a published article.
“The opportunity that Mitacs offers here is something that you’ll likely only be offered once in a lifetime, and I’m certainly grateful that I’ve managed to take part. I would definitely recommend anybody who is considering it to apply.”
The scheme is a partnership between Universities UK International (UUKi) and Mitacs, and involves more than 70 Canadian institutions, some of which Exeter already partners with for student exchange.
The programme operates on a co-funded model, with two thirds to be funded by Mitacs and the remaining third to be funded by the University of Exeter.
The process has been managed by the Global Opportunities Team, who provide dedicated support on matters relating to international travel and collaboration for students across a range of activities and programmes.
Anna Moscrop, Global Opportunities Manager at the University of Exeter, said: ”The prestigious Mitacs Globalink Research Internship is truly innovative and world leading and I am excited for the opportunities our nominated students will gain from the experience. Global opportunities like this are so key to supporting our students’ personal development, expanding academic horizons and enhancing their employability.
“The appetite from students for these opportunities, their dedication and their engagement with the learning provided by prestigious education providers such as Mitacs has been so impressive and serves as a reminder that University of Exeter students are true global citizens.’’