Hi everyone!
This post discusses my program of study in more detail.
I entered the International Development program at the University of Waterloo in fall 2008. My classmates and I formed the first-ever cohort of International Development students, which is both exhilarating and nerve-racking. I love the fact that, as the first people to ever try out this program, we have a lot of input on its development and formation. We have a lot more control over our learning experience than students enrolled in programs that have been established for eons. On the other hand, we are also student guinea pigs, which introduces a level of risk. However, I think the students who are drawn to programs like International Development are willing to take a little risk in exchange for the opportunity to have such a rewarding experience. I’m planning to talk more about the International Development program later…
The International Development program (hereafter referred to as INDEV, our handy nickname) aims to enable students to work all over the world in developing countries to improve their living conditions – whether the issues are economic, environmental, political, or social in nature. This program is very diverse and multi-disciplinary, which is why it appeals to me so much. My interests are so varied, why would I choose a program that forces me to choose?
Waterloo’s INDEV program is unique from other development programs because it is offered through the Faculty of Environment, giving our studies a very progressive, ‘green’ focus that will be invaluable to students when we enter the workforce. INDEV is offered in partnership with St. Paul’s University College, which is part of the University of Waterloo.
INDEV requires students to complete an 8 month volunteer internship in a developing country in order to graduate the program. For my cohort, there were six countries to choose from: Peru, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Botswana, Malawi, and Vietnam. After some research, I chose Ghana.
My next blog post will go into more detail about Ghana and my placement with A Rocha. Until then, if you want to learn more about INDEV, St. Paul’s, or the University of Waterloo, follow these links!
International Development program website: http://shapetheworld.uwaterloo.ca/index.html
St. Paul’s website: http://www.stpauls.uwaterloo.ca/
University of Waterloo website: http://uwaterloo.ca/
Cool blog Tallia. Just out of curiosity what made you choose Ghana, over say Vietnam or Peru? I mean they all sound interesting, but what about Ghana appealed to you?
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Hi Mark
ReplyDeleteThanks for your question! I didn't really explain how my selection process worked. At first I preferred Peru, because South American indigenous peoples face some challenges that are paralleled in North America. Since I would like to work with First Nations peoples in Canada after I graduate, I felt that this would be a great place for me to gain experience. However, there was no way for me to be able to meet the minimum language requirements in time for the placement. So, I began researching. I read through country profiles, but still hadn't reached a concrete preference. So, I looked at the sample placements offered in each of the other countries and determined which country had prospects that most closely aligned with my interests. Ghana had some interesting human relations and social issues placements. And that, my friend, is how I chose Ghana. A big bonus is that Ghana has some beautiful beaches!
Tallia
Tallia, I agree that we are definitely a breed of our own and that there of course is a level of risk in starting any program that is brand new. But unfortunately I don't think any of us were prepared for the struggle our education has been. While I think it has been a rewarding experience and we are probably better students as a result, I would caution others from enrolling in brand new programs. At least we've stayed strong :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous blog Tallia, I really feel I'm learning more about your program this way.
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