Volunteer and Work Abroad

Your global experience is what you make of it. Getting involved in a volunteer or work opportunity abroad is a great way to develop skills and gain unique experience while working toward your professional goals.

Why work or volunteer abroad?

Do you want to build intercultural skills and gain international experience? One way to do this is by pursuing a wide range of opportunities outside Canada, including working and volunteering abroad. Getting involved in international learning and skill development is easier than you might think.

The Global Experience Program can help you explore various types of work and volunteer opportunities, including:

  • Co-ops and internships
  • Academic placements, field trips and practicums
  • Research projects
  • Summer work opportunities
  • Volunteering
  • Leadership and course-related conferences
  • And more!

Keep in mind that you can develop intercultural competencies and gain international work and volunteer experience from the comfort of home as well. For global opportunities that are virtual in scope, as well as in-person opportunities that are based in Canada, visit Global Impact at Home.

  • McCall MacBain International Fellowship: A year-long opportunity divided into three terms (language, academics and work/internship). Fellows can receive up to $23,500 toward their international opportunity.
  • AIESEC Canada: An international, youth-led organization that connects students with volunteering, working and teaching positions abroad. Consider getting involved and learning more by joining AIESEC McMaster, an MSU club!
  • International Experience Canada (IEC): Canadian citizens, ages 18 to 35, get the opportunity to work and travel abroad (working holiday). Through IEC, get a permit or visa to work and explore abroad (more than 30 countries and territories to choose from).
  • International Youth Internship Program (IYIP): A unique collaboration between McMaster University (Office of the International Affairs, Student Success Centre, Black Student Success Centre, and the African-Caribbean Faculty Association of McMaster), Empowerment Squared and Schools of Dreams. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, this exciting, culturally immersive international internship program places 100 individuals aged 18 to 30 living in Canada in a structured four-month internship in Liberia and Ghana. Interns joining the program travel in cohorts, with the first cohort travelling in January 2025. This opportunity is fully-funded (including flights, accommodation, etc.).Keep in mind that McMaster students can also apply to participate in International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) opportunities that have not been curated by McMaster specifically (like the one referenced above). Learn more about all government-funded IYIP opportunities.
  • Mitacs Globalink Research Award: If you’re an undergraduate student, consider applying for this Award to secure funding to participate in a 12-week research internship at an international partner university.

For external programs, please review the individual program website for deadlines, costs and relevant application information.

Applying to work or volunteer abroad

Are you starting your international career or job search? We recommend you check out these resources to learn how we can support your global work and volunteer goals.

Attend a Global Experience Program information session or make an appointment to discuss the following:

  • Resources available to help you find a ‘right fit’ international opportunity (i.e., job, volunteer placement, funded international fellowships, internship/co-op, etc.)
  • Strategies and supports to help you engage in international outreach to curate individual (non-posted) global opportunities (i.e., co-ops)
  • Important considerations when applying for international opportunities
  • Global Experience Award (funding to help support students to offset the cost of a global opportunity) and other ways to fund your global experience
  • Pre-Departure Sessions (to hep you prepare for an upcoming global opportunity)
  • How to make the most of your global experience
  • How other SSC services can support your global opportunity

Tools and resources that can help you prepare for a global career

Information sessions are posted on OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Events. If you need support, you can book a global experience appointment on OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Appointments > Global Opportunities.

Register and get support on OSCARplus

Scholarships and awards

Learn about scholarships and funding opportunities like the Global Experience Award, which can help make your dream a reality.

Discover scholarships and awards

International careers

In addition to Global Experience Program information sessions and appointments, you may also participate in events to explore volunteer and work abroad opportunities. Global events are posted on OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Events.

Find global events on OSCARplus

Career counselling

Do you feel stuck in your career exploration, career development or job search? There are a lot of career and education options out there — almost too many to count. Make an appointment with the SSC careers team to get one-on-one support.

Learn about career counselling

Career Access Professional Services (CAPS)

Career Access Professional Services (CAPS) support students and alumni who identify as a member of an equity-seeking group or have barriers to employment. The CAPS team provides individualized support to assist with all aspects of career development including exploration, preparation and the building of skills and confidence.

Learn about CAPS

OSCARplus

OSCARplus is McMaster’s online career portal for employers and students. Don’t forget to check out the wide range of global opportunities posted on OSCARplus:

  • For global employment opportunities: see OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Employment > Job Postings > New Search > Position Type – “Global Opportunities”
  • For global volunteer and experiential opportunities: see OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Volunteer & Experience Building > Postings > Search Opportunities > Position Type – “Global Experience”

Plus, access valuable tools, GoingGlobal and MyWorldAbroad, on your OSCARplus dashboard (just scroll down to “Take it Global”).

Visit OSCARplus

GoingGlobal

Features include:

  • Customized job search
  • Country career guides
  • Employer directory and embassy listings
  • Industry and employment trends
  • On-demand and live training webinars
  • Virtual and freelance opportunities

MyWorldAbroad

Features include:

  • Job boards
  • Articles and student stories
  • Volunteer and internship opportunities
  • Opportunities to teach English abroad
  • Language learning
  • Virtual internships

View the McMaster Terms of Use (“Links to other sites”)

Valuable information

If you’re applying for a work permit or visa, there are resources and services to support you.

One-on-one support for international students

Immigration advising services are available for international students in Canada. For support, email immigration@mcmaster.ca.

Get immigration advising

Going abroad

Going abroad often means getting outside of your comfort zone, which can require some adjustments. We have resources to help you feel confident and ready to explore.

Pre-departure Orientation Sessions”

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about an upcoming international opportunity, you’re not alone! Rest assured, the Global Experience Program has developed a Pre-Departure Session to help you get prepared and stay safe abroad. Contact your Global Experience Coordinator at globalcareers@mcmaster.ca to schedule a session, either virtually or in-person. While Pre-Departure Sessions are encouraged for all students, we particularly recommend this appointment if you have never lived abroad before and you will be embarking on a global opportunity that requires residency outside Canada and/or your country of citizenship

Register on OSCARplus

Budgeting and finances

A global experience can be expensive, regardless if it’s a paid or an unpaid opportunity. Before applying, be sure to reflect on your financial situation and responsibilities.

Mac’s Money Centre can help.

  • One-on-one appointments: Connect with a money coach to create a budget and saving plan. Book a one-on-one appointment on OSCARplus > Student Success > Appointments > Mac’s Money Centre.
  • Budgeting and financial resources: Get valuable tips and information, including a global budget template, on the Mac’s Money Centre website.
Book a money coaching appointment

Housing

Searching for housing in a new country can be stressful. We recommend that you begin your search early.

Health and safety abroad

Before you embark on your travels, it’s important to consult the Government of Canada’s “Travel advice and advisories by destination.” Citizens of Canada should be sure to complete the government’s online “Registration of Canadians Abroad’ before they travel. Students who do not have Canadian citizenship should be sure to register with government authorities of their home country while abroad. Also, all students are encouraged to understand and register with McMaster’s Emergency Travel Assistance Program before their global experience begins.

Cultural adjustments

Getting adjusted to a new environment and culture abroad isn’t always easy. Learning as much as you can about your destination is a great way to inform your expectations and set yourself up for success! Here are some resources to help you adapt and overcome any challenges you may experience in your global opportunity:

  • MyWorldAbroad: Learn about country-specific opportunities and get guidance. (Access via OSCARplus > Taking It Global)
  • GoinGlobal: Receive regularly updated country and city guides exploring cultural insights in social and professional environments. (Access via OSCARplus > Taking It Global)
  • The World Factbook: Learn about cultures, traditions and norms around the world
  • Travel Advice and Advisories: Review important government information to support your global experience and transition.

View the McMaster Terms of Use (“Links to other sites”)

Communication

During your global opportunity, you may travel to some places where communicating with your family or friends back home may not be as easy as you’re used to. Before you leave home, make a plan and identify alternative forms of communication. Keep important numbers documented and easily accessible.

Remember to update your co-op advisor, career or Faculty office and the Global Experience Program if anything changes during your stay. Also, pay attention to announcements and events offered by our office to support your experience while abroad.

Emergency resources

  • HX Global Emergency Assistance Helpline: Call 1.289.271.8858. Keep in mind that you must download the Travel Oracle App, register with HX Global and have an active profile in the system in order to avail yourself of this resource abroad.
  • Government of Canada emergency phone line:Call 613-996-8885 (outside of Canada) or 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada) for emergency supports.
  • Canadian embassies and consulates:Review a list of contacts for Canadian embassies and consulates that can support you when you’re abroad.
  • Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA): We’re required to adhere to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Please let us know if you want our office to release information about you to your parents (particularly in an emergency).

Student wellness

Maintaining your emotional and mental health is just as important as your physical well-being. Adapting to an unfamiliar environment can introduce a range of emotions and attitudes. Sometimes, it’s helpful to share these experiences with friends, family members or peers who have travelled abroad; however, it’s important to know about services and supports that can help you navigate difficult transitions.

Visit the Student Wellness Centre (SWC)’s website for valuable resources you can access from outside of the province or country.

Access SWC resources

Submit a reflection

We want to know about your global experience! Please consider emailing us a short reflection or testimonial. Here is some suggested content to include: 1) name, 2) faculty and year, 3) location and duration of global experience, 4) type of global opportunity (i.e., co-op, internship, work placement, conference, etc.), 5) any key highlights and challenges you experienced, 6) any wisdom and insights you would like to share with other students. Email your testimonial to globalcareers@mcmaster.ca.

Re-entry

Consider scheduling an appointment with the SSC’s Global Experience Coordinator if you would like support to help process your global experience, re-adjust to life at McMaster (in Canada) and/or to discuss how to maximize the benefits of your global opportunity.

Become a global ambassador

Volunteer and inspire others with your story! Become a global ambassador and share your meaningful international journey with your peers and the McMaster community.

Contact us at globalcareers@mcmaster.ca to discuss volunteer opportunities.

Other ways to get involved

Have questions or need support?

The Global Experience Team at the Student Success Centre (SSC) is here to you make your global ambitions a reality. Please contact us to help support in any of the above areas, or if you have questions or concerns you would like to discuss. Feel free to book an appointment in OSCARplus or email globalcareers@mcmaster.ca.