Students completing a minor or option or Research Specialization in International Development (INDEV) are required to acquire work experience with an organization or initiative that identifies with one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and overall mission of the INDEV program: Building a fairer, more equitable and environmentally sustainable world. Students are expected to articulate a clear rationale in writing for their proposed community service as relevant to this mission.
Pre-approval is required from Cameron McCordic, INDEV Manager, International Work Experience, Students are responsible for arranging their community service and at their own expense. Community service may consist of:
- a minimum of 3 weeks full-time community service (or equivalent hours) with an organization in Canada or internationally (volunteer hours with on-campus student clubs are not eligible);
- participation in a 2-3 week international seminar or study tour addressing development and/or sustainability issues; or
- a co-op work term relevant to international development.
Going abroad
If you wish to complete your community service abroad, check out My World Abroad (register using your UWaterloo student ID number). This is a free resource available to University of Waterloo students and provides information about short-term internships and other opportunities abroad.
Students completing the community service requirement outside Canada are required to review and comply with all Waterloo's pre-departure requirements as instructed on Waterloo International's Safety Abroad website.