Global Experience Certificate
Where in the world do you want to go?
Interested in a life changing international study term, co-op work term or volunteer experience? If you are an undergraduate student in 1A, 1B or 2A, you may be a candidate for Waterloo's Global Experience Certificate (GEC). As a University of Waterloo student we encourage you to become a global citizen. We want you to expand your horizons, learn from direct experience, and make a difference in the world. Whether your dream is to work for a multinational company in Asia or a non-governmental organization in Africa or teach English in South America, we can help you get there.
Components of the GEC:
By no later than their third academic term (2A), students are required to complete an online Global Experience Certificate plan outlining how they will complete the following three GEC components:
-
Three for-credit courses (1.5 units)
-
One International Experience (IE)
-
One Cross Cultural Volunteer Experience (CCVE)
Successful completion of the certificate requirements will result in the awarding of a Global Experience Certificate upon graduation.
Note: Courses, IVE, and CCVE completed before the GEC plan form is submitted cannot be counted towards the certificate.
In order to apply, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and
- submit a Global Experience plan form (see GEC sample plans), and an academic calendar (see academic calendar sample (pdf)) no later than your third academic term, or 2A.
Application process:
- Fill out the GEC plan form (pdf). You can see a GEC sample plans. After completing the two-page form, print it and sign it. On the plan form, indicate:
- the two language courses and one global studies course you intend to take
- the International Experience option you plan to complete
- your planned Cross Cultural Volunteer Experience
- Create a calendar (see academic calendar sample (pdf)) indicating where the GEC components fit into your overall academic plan.
- Email wihelp@uwaterloo.ca to set up a time to meet with the GEC Coodinator to review your plan form and calendar.
Certificate requirement:
-
Three for-credit courses (1.5 units)
| Two language courses | Plus | One global studies course |
|---|---|---|
|
Two first year sequential modern language courses:
Example: CHINA 101R, CHINA 102R or CROAT 101, CROAT 102, or SI100, SI102, |
+ |
One global studies course from the global studies course listing |
Note: with the approval of the office of the Waterloo International Associate Vice-President, courses other than those on the approved list may be used to complete these course requirements.
-
One International Experience
Successful completion of at least one of the following International Experience options – minimum duration of six weeks required.
Options
University-approved exchanges:
Explore university-approved exchanges around the world to match your language selection:
International co-op work terms:
If you're a co-op student, consider an international work term outside of Canada and the United States.
Study abroad term:
Volunteer position outside of Canada and the US:
International volunteer experience outside of Canada and the United States requires pre-approval by the International Student Office (ISO). The IVE application form has to be submitted at least six months prior to your departure date.
-
One Cross Cultural Volunteer Experience
Successful completion of approved Cross Cultural Volunteer Experience work. The volunteer experience must be in a cross cultural context either on campus or within the local community and must include a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer work per term. The ISO pre-approves all CCVE to ensure they meet the requirements of the certificate. Your CCVE application must be submitted 3 months in advance of the start of the term in which you wish to participate. You’ll find examples of CCVE work that qualifies for the GEC on the International Student Office website.
Options
On-campus:
International:
The only international volunteer experience that qualifies for the CCVE component of the GEC is the Waterloo/Solidarity in Action Inc. (SIA) Peru Program. Check out this amazing two week summer volunteer adventure in Peru!
Forms:
Related Links
Academic calendar sample (pdf)
Exchange Programs - outgoing exchange students website
Waterloo/Solidarity in Action Inc. (SIA) Peru Program
Contact us
To schedule an appointment to review your plan, or if you have questions, contact the Certificate Coordinator: Paula Murphy
