Experiential learning

You'll graduate from Mount Allison with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

With experiential learning — or hands-on learning — opportunities available in every degree, you'll develop skills you can apply to the workforce, make meaningful networking connections, and figure out what the future may hold for you.

Our Office of Experiential Learning and Career Development will help you create experiences that match your interests and style of learning.

*Fine Arts student Lydia Paterson, Lassonde Intern in the Arts, at the Confederation Centre of the Arts*

Paid internships

Mount Allison offers exceptional opportunities to join businesses and organizations locally and internationally for paid internships that will allow you to gain hands-on experiences. Internships are open to students from all disciplines and academic years.

Internships are available full-time during the summer and part-time during the academic year.

Examples of recent student internships

Learn more about student internship opportunities

*Student Janie Brooks, recipient of the Gay Hansen Award in Biology, field banding shorebirds as part of Dr. Diana Hamilton's research program*

Undergraduate research

At Mount Allison you'll get the chance to take part in innovative research projects as early as second year, a rarity at the undergraduate level. You'll have ample opportunities to work with world-class professors on research, including employment as summer research assistants.

Research is not just for Science students! There are research opportunities in most of our 50+ programs. Check out our 50+ programs for more details.

Independent student research grants also provide students with funding to conduct their own, independent research or creative activity project during the summer before entering their last year of study.

Examples of recent students doing research

Learn more about student research

*Environmental Science students in the field applying CABIN (Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network) protocol on the Miramichi River*

Other hands-on learning opportunities

Our experiential learning opportunities don't stop there! Connect your academic learning with real-world experiences through experiential learning activities in every program.

Community partnerships and volunteering

*Students in the Indigenous Community Assets class, visit Esgenoopetitj First Nation*

Mount Allison's close-knit and engaging community extends across campus and beyond. For a small town, there are big opportunities to immerse yourself.

Our Community Engaged Learning program also offers community partnerships with academic instruction, integrating academic learning with community service.

Examples:

Entrepreneurship

*Economics student and videographer Alan Kong launched 506 Media, which works with agencies and companies on video projects, and Lumière Wedding Films*

Mount Allison allows students to grow through entrepreneurial ventures in both the classroom and through funding opportunities to help you take your ideas and make them a reality.

Our new VentureSpace, an entrepreneurship thinking incubator, will help you build the foundation for a viable venture.

Examples:

Field work

You and your classmates can take trips to labs, aid organizations, businesses, and even mountaintops around the world and come face-to-face with today's realities. You'll gain a wide perspective and even create valuable professional networks for the future.

Examples:

Independent study

In your upper years, it is possible, in consultation with your department and with a faculty supervisor, to create your own independent study course on a topic that complements your degree and matches your specific goals.

Examples:

Peer tutoring and teaching assistantships

Many students take advantage of opportunities to work during the academic year as teaching or research assistants, acquiring valuable skills.

Examples:

Recitals, performances, and art exhibits

*Performance of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder at the Motyer-Fancy Theatre*

Between the Music department (hosting more than 80 student, faculty, and guest concerts each year) and the Drama program (performing in our state-of-the-art Motyer-Fancy Theatre), students are given ample opportunity to perform on a regular basis.

The Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts and other student-run exhibition spaces also give students the opportunity to exhibit a wide range of artwork.

Examples:

Student conferences and competitions

*Math and Computer Science students, recipients of awards at the Science Atlantic Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Conference*

Learn from others and share your own work at student conferences, and even win an award or two.

You can also put your knowledge to work on real-world issues in case competitions.

Examples:

Learn more about experiential learning opportunities

*Students during the Utrecht Field School in Psychology in The Netherlands*

International experiential learning experiences

Study abroad and exchange programs are about so much more than just travel. They offer a chance for you to take new and interesting courses, learn a different language, experience another culture, make friends from around the globe, and learn a lot about yourself ― all while working towards your Mount Allison degree.

International experiences at Mount Allison also include: