Experiential learning
Experiential learning opportunities are integrated into all levels of learning in courses through both the Women’s Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality programs at the SdBI.
In addition to in-class opportunities for experiential learning, the SdBI also offers a Practicum course and support with finding community work, internships and other placement opportunities.
Whether you’re a current student at the SdBI or a community organization looking to potentially host a student in placement, you can learn more about opportunities here.
Organizations interested in hosting student placements can reach out to the Program and Outreach Coordinator or Practicum Director.
Prerequisite: The following course must be completed previously: SSDB 425. Students must complete 60 university credits prior to enrolling. Enrolment in the Major in Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality is required. Permission of the Institute is required.
This course offers a 100-hour field experience over the course of one semester. The course involves a fieldwork project.
Practicum is usually completed in the final year of study in the major. Students should meet with Marlihan Lopez the semester before enrolment in Practicum is planned.
Please note that enrolment and placement in Practicum is not guaranteed.
Students in the Women’s Studies may also request permission to enroll in Practicum if they have completed SSDB 425 and 60 credits.
Examples of host organizations and Practicum projects
- Head & Hands – Working on youth sexual health with the Sense Project
- Juripop – Gender and sexuality resource development for legal aid
- Iskweu Project – Helping with fundraising and event planning in support of front-line work
- MIND High School – Community Engagement programming with high school students
- MILA – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion research for an Artificial Intelligence research organization
- Regroupement Naissance-Renaissance – Helping to build gender and sexuality inclusive resources for midwives
- HoodStop – Developing materials and workshops for sexual violence prevention, education and outreach
"Practicum gave me the tools and experience I needed to gain confidence in my ability to work creatively and collaborate with an organization whose work I valued tremendously."
– Paulina C.
"Being a mature student I wanted to ensure that there was an opportunity to bridge my past career experience with my new knowledge and skills. Through my Practicum placement, I not only was able to bridge that gap, I found myself meaningful employment! "
– Faye L.
"My practicum had an immense impact on my studies as it bridged some of what I had learned in my double major and showed me how it might be applied in the world outside."
– Kate B.
