What is EXPLORE?
The Experiential Learning Opportunities Resource (EXPLORE) is a highly customizable tool that allows you to filter options based on your learning goals and features opportunities open to undergraduate students in any level or Faculty.
There are options for both curricular and co-curricular learning. By engaging in experiential learning, you develop core competencies and in-demand skills like social responsibility, leadership, communication, collaboration, time management — and more.
Visit EXPLORE today to browse more than 50 opportunities. Continue to check each term for more updates.
What do “curricular” and “co-curricular” mean?
- Curricular: You receive course credit by completing these courses and opportunities, which often include built-in support from instructors, teaching assistants, etc.
- Co-curricular: Instead of course credit, you get to learn and engage outside the classroom and across campus. McMaster staff, mentors and others are available for direction and support.
What do “experiential” and “interdisciplinary” mean, and how do they benefit me?
Experiential learning provides a structured learning opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a hands-on environment. You get to develop skills and knowledge, reflect on your experiences, pursue self-development and prepare to make a difference in the world.
Benefits include:
- Build skills such as leadership, intercultural competency, teamwork, communication and more
- Create a professional network
- Develop peer and campus connections
- Explore career options
- Enhance academic learning
- Strengthen your resume or further education application
With interdisciplinary learning, you get to gain experience with opportunities offered outside of your Faculty, Program or academic background. These opportunities provide a meaningful learning space that encourages you to explore and experience different ways of knowing and learning.
How do I use the tool?
EXPLORE gathers experiential learning opportunities all in one place with an easy-to-use filtering feature that you can customize based on your interests. Each opportunity has information on eligibility and prerequisites, time commitments and links for more information. You can also use the favourites feature to save opportunities and revisit them later.
What can I filter by?
- Community engagement: Learn how to understand and consider issues impacting local and global communities.
- Sustainability and climate action: Learn what makes communities and human settlements inclusive, safe and sustainable.
- Innovation: Explore ways to scale your creative ideas to make an impact on a local and global scale.
- Global studies: Gain an interdisciplinary, in-depth understanding of societies, cultures, communities and issues around the world.
- Social justice: Develop a thorough understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
Who can apply?
EXPLORE opportunities are open to McMaster University undergraduate students seeking experiential learning.
How can EXPLORE help with choosing my major?
Just like the name, the EXPLORE tool is an opportunity to do just that–explore. Interdisciplinary opportunities allow you to expand your learning beyond your field of study and can open up opportunities. These opportunities provide a meaningful learning space that encourages you to develop and experience different ways of knowing and learning. Experiential opportunities apply academic knowledge in a “hands-on” environment with a focus on developing critical skills, encouraging reflection of self and the world around you
What is the difference between EXPLORE opportunities and volunteering or joining a McMaster club?
Opportunities included on EXPLORE usually involve working on specific projects or activities that help you grow personally and professionally. They often include mentorship, guided reflections and planning activities to provide a well-rounded experience. On the other hand, joining a club at McMaster is more about participating in group activities centred on shared interests or hobbies. Additionally, volunteering is an independent experience where you get to be involved and make an impact in the community.
How will I know if EXPLORE opportunities fit with my academic plan?
We recommend that you consult directly with your academic advisor to get accurate and clear information that’s specific to your academic situation.
How do I learn more about EXPLORE?
- Book an appointment with the Student Success Centre on OSCARplus. In these appointments, you can connect with an experiential learning-certified staff member on EXPLORE, learn about opportunities and find out how to get involved.
How to book: OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Appointments > Experiential and Employment > EXPLORE
- Follow @MacSSC on Instagram and check out the EXPLORE highlight.