About the Internship Program

The Engage North Internship Program provides four-month placements with community-based organizations in Canada’s North.  The program is open to undergraduate studying at the University of Alberta. In Summer 2019 (May – August), four Internship opportunities are available in two communities with: Dene Tha’ First Nation, Alberta; and Beaver First Nation, Alberta. Prior to the placement, interns will participate in a comprehensive pre-departure training program, and will be matched with a advisor/mentor who will assist with any technical challenges encountered.

Applications and more information for Engage North’s 2019 Internships are available (2019 Youth and Recreation competition is currently open).

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the Engage North Internship program! You can reach Maggie Glasgow (Program Coordinator) at mglasgow@ualberta.ca

Positions:

Undergraduate students explore community positions beginning in early January. Application packages will be posted on the Engage North website as they become available, between January to March. Applications are adjudicated by a committee that includes Engage North staff and members of the host community. Interviews are conducted on North Campus.

Training:

Training Interns can expect to have two weeks of intensive cultural and personal development training before departure to their host community. Depending on availability, Elders and community members will be invited to speak about their communities and etiquette while in the communities. Other activities will include participating in the Blanket Exercise, sharing strategies to deal with being away from home, and connecting with their community partners and roommates.

Summer:

Interns will be provided transportation to their host community, with all expenses paid for. During their first few days in their new position, interns are introduced to community members, and undergo a community orientation. Throughout the summer, Engage North interns receive ongoing support from the program coordinator, including a community visit. At the end of the summer, interns return to the University of Alberta, and share their experiences while in their host communities. 

After Your Internship:

The Engage North Internship Program encourages lasting relationships between interns and their host communities. Opportunities to reconnect with communities may include volunteering for high school student visits to the University of Alberta, returning to the communities to introduce new interns to the community, engaging in workshops that include community youth, and returning to the community for special events and celebrations.

Additional Information