MSC Practicum Program
The practicum is a supervised work experience in a setting related to international development or conflict resolution. The purpose of the practicum is for students to integrate academic theory with hands-on practice. The practicum placement is an opportunity to build your professional network and gain experience related to your studies in a field in which you want to work. The practicum is also intended to help you evaluate career directions and plans for the future. The majority of practicum placements are with nonprofit organizations that do not offer stipends or honorariums.
Some students complete their practicum in Winnipeg, while others seek placements around the world. A local 3-credit hours placement is usually approximately 80 hours of 'on-site' work over the span of one or two semesters. An international placement is usually a minimum of three months in another country.
MSC does not offer the practicum course directly. The MSC Academic Advisor will be able to direct you to the different practicum course options that would be accepted as fulfilling the practicum requirement in your CRS or IDS major.
Academic Credit
Upon successful completion of the practicum placement, students receive academic credit towards a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies or Conflict Resolution Studies. Students may receive either three or six credit hours upon successful completion of their local practicum. In the case of an international placement, students are eligible to receive six credit hours for a three-month placement.
Eligibility and Prerequisites
A practicum is required for a four-year major in International Development Studies and a four-year major in Conflict Resolution Studies. Students completing a three-year major in International Development Studies or Conflict Resolution Studies have the option of participating in practicum. In order to register for a practicum, students are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and must have completed the following courses:
Prerequisites for CRS Practicum
- CRS-1200(6) Introduction to Conflict Resolution Studies
- CRS-2210(3) Conflict Theory & Analysis
- CRS-2211(1.5) Coaching Skills Workshop
- CRS-3220(3) Models for Conflict Transformation
- CRS-3221(1.5) Mediation Skills Workshop
Prerequisites for IDS Practicum
- IDS-1100(6) Introduction to International Development Studies
- IDS-2110(3) Participatory Local Development
- An additional 6 Credit Hours of IDS Core Courses
Where Do I Start?
Consult with the MSC Academic Advisor to ensure that you have the prerequisites needed to apply for a practicum. The advisor will share with you a list of options of where you can complete your practicum.
Timeline for Practicum
You should meet with the MSC Academic Advisor three months before the term in which you wish to start a local practicum. For an international practicum, meet with the MSC Academic Advisor at least eight months before the start of the semester in which you would like to travel.
Printed from: www.cmu.ca/programs/menno-simons-college/practicum
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- Conflict Resolution
- Intersection of CR&IDS
- Timetables
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Practicum Reflections
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"The lessons I learned from Bolga have helped me grow in so many ways. I was nervous about a lot of things on my flight, especially that I would be so far from family and friends. But by the end of my trip, I had built so many strong connections with the community that it felt like I had my family and friends with me."
"By completing an international practicum I can say with certainty that I have a better understanding of what 'good development' and 'bad development' looks like. Perhaps, the most significant realization that I have had is how important it is to understand the needs of the community and include community voices in the decision-making processes."
"This practicum has been an incredible experience and something I will absolutely never forget. It is by far the best life experience I have ever received and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. I am sad to leave but I am also excited for the adventures when I get back."
"Before practicum, I knew what mediation was, but wouldn't have known how to do it. Now, after practicum, it comes as second nature."
Lacie Munholland (CRS, 4 year)
"A practicum is an intense and powerful event for an individual, and through my observation I can say that it can most certainly guide or transform one's direction in life. My own practicum experience in the Eastern Region of Ghana this past May through to August has since guided me both professionally and personally. "