What is Experiential Learning?
Experiential Learning (EL) is, broadly, learning through reflection on experience.
Experiential Learning encompasses a variety of programming types that give students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop crucial skills, such as:
work-integrated learning (WIL), co-op, internship, field experience, practicum, community engaged learning, study abroad, or (in some cases) co-curricular programming.
What is Work-Integrated Learning?
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a form of curricular experiential education that formally integrates a student’s academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace or practice setting (CEWIL).
Learn more about the different types of WIL and find opportunities in your college below.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Definitions
USask Work-Integrated Learning
PCP | Practicum/Clinical Placement |
CSL | Community Service Learning |
WE | Work Experience |
FE | Field Experience |
RE | Research Experience |
CO-OP | Co-op |
INTERN | Internship |
EL | Experiential Learning |
- AGRC 445.3 - RBC Learn to Work, Work to Learn WE
- Field Experiences FE
Undergraduate
-
Computer Science Professional Internship Program (CSPIP) INTERN
-
Interactive Systems Design - Professional Internship Option INTERN
-
Economics Internship Program INTERN
-
English Career Internship INTERN
-
Environment and Society - Co-operative Education Program CO-OP
-
Toxicology Undergraduate Research Experience Program (TUREP) RE
Graduate
- Experiential Learning is integrated throughout the Dentistry program. To learn more visit the College of Dentistry website.
Undergraduate
Graduate
- KIN 498.3 - RBC Learn to Work, Work to Learn WE
- Practicums PCP
- There are many opportunities for experiential learning in the College of Law. To learn more visit their Experiential Learning webpage.
- Experiential Learning is integrated throughout the Undergraduate MD Program. To learn more visit the program website.
- Experiential Learning is integrated throughout the undergraduate Nursing program. To learn more visit the College of Nursing website.
- Experiential Learning is integrated throughout the DVM program. To learn more visit the Western College of Veterinary Medicine website.
Finding an Experiential Learning (EL) Course
Many programs have EL built in, such as field experiences, labs, or project-based work. Here's how to find these classes:
- Visit the Registration page in PAWS and select "Register for Classes"
- Select "Browse classes"
- Select the term
- Select the subject(s) in which you are interested
- Select "Advanced Search"
- Under Attribute, select "experiential learning" or a specific type of experiential learning: community engaged learning, clinical placement/practicum, field-based instruction, study abroad or undergraduate research.
- Select "Search"
- The results are classes with an experiential learning component. Read the course description for more information.
Can’t find an opportunity? Meet with an Academic Advisor.
Co-curricular Experiential Learning
The FUSION Skill-Development Curriculum is an interactive and engaging 10-hour online, self-study curriculum designed to wraparound and complement a student’s existing experiential learning opportunity (e.g. internship, student leadership role, research project, part-time job, volunteer placement, or summer work term).
Funding For Work-Integrated Learning
- SWPP
- Through the Student Work Placement program, employers can apply for wage subsidies to help them hire post-secondary students across Canada.
Mitacs BSI
- Applications are now open for the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship (BSI) program, an exciting opportunity to leverage $5,000 + GST into a $10,000 student internship, through the support of Mitacs