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/
