What is Experiential Learning (EL)?
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.
Find EL Opportunities
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 a specific type of experiential learning:
- Research focus
- Work/Entrepreneurship focus
- Problem/project/design focus
- Comm engaged/service focus
- Creative practice focus
- 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.
A number of colleges at the University of Saskatchewan offer practical learning experiences. These experiences may be optional or required, for-credit or non-credit, and can vary in length and commitment.
Arts and Science
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- A.Boving Economics Internship Program
- Computer Science Professional Internship Program
- Criminology and Addictions Certificate Practicum (CCAP)
- English Career Internship
- Environment & Society – Co-operative Education Program
- Indigenous Justice and Criminology Program Practicum (IJC)
- MA Economics Co-op Internship Program
- Physics Professional Internship Option
- Political Studies Career Internship
- Regional and Urban Planning Internship and Work Placement
- Toxicology Undergraduate Research Experience Program (TUREP)
Education
Edwards School of Business
Emmanuel and St. Chad
Engineering
Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Law
Nursing
Pharmacy and Nutrition
Physical Therapy
Public Health
- School of Public Health - Public Health Practicum
- Schools of Public Health – Field Research and Practicum in Public Health
St. Thomas More
Level Up brings real projects from organizations into Universities. Get immersed in industry projects and get equipped with work-ready skills. LEVEL UP your resume by completing short-term, 60 hour projects over two to eight weeks from organizations and get paid $1,400 to do it! Show future employers you have the real skills they need.
CELP provides USask students with a structured project-based learning experience. These partnerships are driven by employer and community partner priorities that provide reciprocal benefits to both partners and students. Students can engage with employers in a 30-hour, impactful project where they will develop their core competencies. While completing these projects students have opportunities to reflect, share, act on their core competencies, and receive a bursary.
Contact program lead Tenneisha Nelson for more information and to be added to the mailing list on upcoming projects.
FUSION Skill Development Modules are interactive and engaging approximately 3 hours, self-study curriculum designed to wraparound and complement your existing experiential learning opportunity and help you enhance your skills across critical 21st century skill domains.
The Indigenous Student Internship Program is a unique opportunity designed for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students at the University of Saskatchewan to gain valuable work experience while exploring their career paths. Its goal is to support career development by helping students recognize their skills, reflect on their experiences, and grow professionally. Rooted in Indigenous Ways of Knowing, the program approaches western perspectives. By integrating these perspectives, students are empowered to navigate their careers with confidence and cultural pride.
A number of organizations coordinate experiential learning opportunities such as internships, exchanges and leaderhip programs all over the world and in a range of industries. If you are interested in interning with a certain employer, be sure to check out the careers/opportunities section of their website as many have internship experiences. Consider applying to volunteer positions in CareerLink, having a Study Abroad experience, and reviewing Additional Job Search Sites.
- AIESEC
- Campus Access
- Canada World Youth
- Canadian Roots
- Career Edge
- Exchanges Canada
- Glassdoor
- Global Vision
- Idealist
- Internex
- Mitacs
- Rotary Youth Exchanges
- Shad Canada
- Study and Go Abroad
- SWAP
- The Chopras
- Volunteering Solutions
- Youth Unlimited
- Youth With A Mission
Please note, the University of Saskatchewan is not affiliated with any of the organizations noted above and offers this list simply to provide other options for students to explore, not as an endorsement. Programs vary considerably so be sure to research each thoroughly and inquire about such details as application fees, location, stipends/honorariums, requirements, accommodations, flights, health insurance, work visas, contract lengths, etc.