Internships & Practicums

What is the difference between an internship and a practicum?

Internship

- is an opportunity for a student to gain work experience in a field that is of interest to them. A main goal of an internship is for the student to determine if they have an interest in a particular career path. Internships can be for a few hours per week up to full-time working experiences. They can also be for credit or not-for-credit.

Practicum

- is a work related experience that is directly tied to a course and specialized field of study. Students who participate in practicums tend to do so as part of their program of study. Examples of this would be education and human services majors.

The Career Experience Office specifically helps students who have an interest in pursuing an internship. As practicums are directly tied to a student's program of study placements for practicums are provided through the school or faculty through which a particular degree is offered.

Why should I think about doing an internship?

• Helps you to test whether a career path is right for you.
• Enables you to contextualize your course work.
• May lead to full-time employment.
• Eases your transition from the education environment to the workplace.

Can international students do internships?

Yes. International students may obtain an Employment Authorization Permit when they are accepted for an internship. This authorization is good only for an approved off-campus paid work term. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the Employment Authorization Form from Canada Immigration. International students must apply for and receive employment authorization before they begin an internship work term in Canada. You must maintain full time continuous student status to remain in the internship which means you either have to be enrolled in TWU courses or be enrolled in a full-time work term.