Overview
There are many ways Alberta students can get a post-secondary education or internship experience in another country.
Some programs are offered through partnerships between the Government of Alberta and organizations in other countries. These programs offer professional work and study experiences in exciting places around the world.
Students can also choose to take programs available through their post-secondary institution or plan their own study abroad experiences.
Find out how to choose the study abroad experience that’s right for you.
Alberta-Smithsonian Internship Program
Find application deadlines, which vary by internship.
About the program
The Alberta-Smithsonian Internship Program (ASIP) provides 10 eligible Alberta students per year with up to $7,000 (CAD) to support their participation in a semester or summer internship at a Smithsonian museum.
Students get the exceptional opportunity to work with Smithsonian:
- scholars
- scientists
- experts
- educators
Areas of focus include:
- science
- history
- culture
- the arts
Students could intern in Washington, D.C. or at other Smithsonian sites around the world.
The program is a partnership between the:
- Government of Alberta
- University of Alberta
- Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility
The program is open to students that are registered in degree-granting programs at Alberta post-secondary institutions and meet other requirements. Get eligibility details.
How to apply
- Visit the Smithsonian Institution’s website to find internship opportunities at various museums.
- Follow the instructions to apply to the Smithsonian Institute.
“This internship allowed me to confirm that I want to pursue a career in conservation science. I learned so much and all of my Smithsonian colleagues were so bright and passionate about their work. It was a very inspiring experience. The opportunity to return as a fellow is also amazing and will help me along my career as a conservation scientist.”
Aleksandra Popowich interned at the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute in 2017.
China Government Scholarships
About the program
Every year, the Government of China provides scholarships for Alberta students and scholars to study in China:
- 5 full scholarships
- 10 partial scholarships
The program is open to Alberta residents that are:
- high school graduates
- post-secondary students
- scholars
Study programs
Study programs focus on:
- Chinese language studies
- academic study at the undergraduate or graduate level
- research
The language of instruction is primarily Chinese, but a limited number of programs are offered in English.
The program may also sponsor and recommend remedial Chinese language studies for applicants who are not applying for the Chinese language study program.
Find Chinese institutions accepting students.
Scholarship types
Full scholarships cover:
- tuition (or research) fees
- accommodation
- stipend
- comprehensive medical insurance
Partial scholarships cover only tuition fees.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- be a Canadian citizen
- hold a Canadian Passport
- be in good health
- be an Alberta resident
Educational background and age limits include:
Table 2. China Government Scholarship program eligibility
| Category | Age limit | Educational background |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate studies | Under the age of 25 | Completed senior high school with good grades |
| Master degree | Under the age of 35 | Must have a bachelor’s degree |
| Doctoral degree | Under the age of 40 | Must have a master’s degree |
| General scholar | Under the age of 45 | Must have completed 2 years of undergraduate studies (can pursue any major, except Chinese language) |
| Senior scholar | Under the age of 50 | Must have a minimum of either a:
|
Read the China Government Scholarships Overview for specific eligibility information.
How to apply
Read the China Government Scholarships Overview for details about how to apply.
The online application asks for a:
- agency number (it’s 1242 for Alberta students)
- guarantor (optional)
- letter of intent (required)
If your application is accepted, you will be asked to complete a medical assessment form for your Chinese visa application.
Summer School in Czech Republic
About the program
The Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport offers full scholarships to 2 Alberta post-secondary students to take Slavonic Studies in the Czech Republic during the summer.
Students study Czech:
- language
- literature
- culture
- history
Students also visit important landmarks and attend cultural events.
Scholarships cover:
- tuition
- room and board
- various field trips
Scholarship programs
One scholarship is available for each of the following programs:
- Masaryk University in Brno
Dates: July 21 to August 18, 2018
Read program details. - Charles University in Prague
Dates: July 27 to August 24, 2018
Read program details.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and be residents of Alberta.
Recipients are selected based on academic merit and relevance of previous study.
How to apply
Submitted applications must include:
- completed application form (watch this space for next year’s form)
- curriculum vitae in Czech or English
- letter of intent
- post-secondary transcript(s)
Email completed applications to erin.reynar@gov.ab.ca.
The Washington Center
About the program
The Washington Center – Alberta Internship Partnership helps students get valuable work experience and take courses at The Washington Center in Washington, D.C.
Internships are structured according to student interests. Examples include:
- political leadership
- mass communications
- law and criminal justice
Read about sample internships.
The internship program is administered by The Washington Center and partially funded by the Government of Alberta.
Eligibility
The program is open to qualified students who are registered at a participating post-secondary institution in Alberta.
Visit the Washington Center website for details about programs and eligibility requirements.
How to apply
Contact the International Office or Registrar's Office at your college or university or visit the Washington Center website for details on how to apply.
“The Washington Center provided me with the invaluable opportunity to experience work-life balance in a wonderful city. It is a remarkable place to gain deeper insight into my field of studies, meet and interact with influential people and diverse cultures, and most importantly strengthen my personal, academic and professional development. Through my internship, site visits and classes, I was able to capture knowledge that will influence my future endeavors.”
Beverly Alfred, an International Affairs student at Burman University, interned at the Embassy of Canada.
Through your institution
Many publicly-funded post-secondary institutions in Alberta offer study abroad opportunities for their students, including:
- Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD)
- Ambrose University
- Athabasca University
- Bow Valley College
- Burman University
- Concordia University
- Grande Prairie Regional College
- Keyano College
- King’s University
- Lakeland College
- Lethbridge College
- MacEwan University
- Medicine Hat College
- Mount Royal University
- NorQuest College
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
- Northern Lakes College
- Olds College
- Portage College
- Red Deer College
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT Polytechnic)
- St. Mary’s University
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- University of Lethbridge
Talk to your post-secondary institution about:
- the types of study abroad opportunities they offer
- program requirements
- costs
- any funding support that could be available
Federal study abroad programs
The federal government offers several internship and scholarship programs to Canadian students:
- the International Experience Canada Program offers Canadian citizens between the ages of 18 to 35 with a:
- chance to work and travel abroad
- path to a work permit or visa in one of over 30 countries and territories
- the International Youth Internship Program offers Canadian post-secondary graduates the opportunity to gain professional experience through international development work
- the International Aboriginal Youth Internship Program provides opportunities for Aboriginal youth to participate in international internships in developing countries
- international scholarships helps you find possible funding for graduate study and research abroad
Study abroad on your own
Research study abroad opportunities
You could contact post-secondary institutions you may want to attend to ask them about opportunities for international students.
You may also choose to connect with organizations for international students, such as:
- AIESEC – a youth run organization that helps students find entrepreneurial, teaching or volunteer opportunities around the world, and that can be found on these Alberta campuses:
- International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) – which provides paid, course-related work experience in more than 80 countries for science and engineering students
- Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) – promotes and advances international education opportunities through scholarships, programs and projects
What to consider
When researching a program offered in another country, find out as much as you can about the:
- post-secondary institution you may be attending or organization you could be working with
- country you’ll be living in
- embassy or other supports available to you while you’re away
- availability of student loans or scholarships for the program you want to take
Contact
To connect with the International Education and Intergovernmental Coordination Branch:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-644-1785
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-427-4185
Email: international.ed@gov.ab.ca