Transform your degree with in-depth experiential learning

Ready to go beyond the classroom? The In-depth Experiential Learning Stream (IELS) at the Faculty of Social Sciences offers immersive learning opportunities that connect your studies to real-world contexts and help you build essential academic, professional, and life skills.

Take on the challenge and elevate your university experience through hands-on, meaningful learning.

Why choose the IELS?

By joining the IELS, you will:

  • Apply classroom knowledge to meaningful, real-world projects
  • Develop career-ready skills in collaborative and practical environments with peers, instructors, and community partners
  • Strengthen your résumé with concrete experiences that demonstrate your skills and adaptability
  • Explore alternative and applied ways of learning course material beyond traditional lectures

What does experiential learning look like?

In the IELS, learning goes beyond theory. Depending on the course and program, students may:

  • Work directly with community organizations on real-world challenges and propose practical solutions
  • Participate in immersive field-based learning experiences that connect theory to lived realities
  • Engage in collaborative simulations that reflect real professional or global scenarios
  • Develop and present projects for authentic audiences beyond the classroom
  • Contribute to applied research projects designed for public and community impact
  • Participate in interdisciplinary teamwork and peer collaboration
  • Explore creative and reflective approaches to learning and knowledge mobilization

These experiences are designed to help you build confidence, apply your knowledge, and develop practical skills in real contexts.

How does it work?

students

The IELS is designed to integrate experiential learning directly into your existing program requirements, without extending the length of your degree.

What makes it unique:

  • Tailored to your field of study
    (currently offered in International Development and Globalization, Anthropology, and Social Work, with additional programs now available)
  • Courses integrate experiential components such as applied projects, simulations, community engagement, and field-based learning
  • In some courses, experiential learning can represent a significant portion of your final grade
  • All courses count directly toward your degree requirements

Student experience

“This experience helped me connect what I was learning in class with real-world issues.”

“I appreciated working on projects that had a real impact beyond the classroom.”

“This learning experience helped me better understand challenges in the field.”

The FSS Challenge, intensive, 3-day innovation competition group
The FSS Challenge, an intensive three-day team innovation competition.

How to join

To express interest in the IELS or to register for IELS-related courses:

Email us at [email protected] and our team will guide you through the registration process.

Students can begin with introductory experiential learning courses in their first year, with additional opportunities available throughout their program depending on their field of study.. See the course sequence of your program to find out which courses are part of IELS.

$200 per term fee (added to your tuition) applies to support the program's unique experiential learning opportunities.

Take the leap today!

Don’t miss the opportunity to enrich your degree with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Whether you’re mastering project management, honing research skills, or collaborating with global and local organizations, the IELS is your pathway to success.

Email us at [email protected] for more details or to register your interest.

For complete requirements for your program of study with the In-depth Experiential Learning Stream (IELS):