Full-time Programs
INSW - International Support Worker
Program Entry
September
Program Length
One-Year Post-Graduate Certificate
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Gary Warren | GWarren@Loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- Acquire the skills to become involved in relief and development projects in other countries.
- Develop capabilities in supporting and empowering people.
- Enhance any career by gaining essential international and multicultural experience.
- Gain knowledge of a wide range of development strategies.
- Experience safe international travel as part of a placement experience.
- Become comfortable working in multicultural contexts.
- My Faculty – Watch the video.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared to work in a broad range of international development environments. Opportunities include:
- Supporting and advocating for refugees and immigrants.
- Participating in disaster relief and assistance efforts.
- Working to develop communities in Canada and elsewhere.
- Creating and supporting business and commerce concerned with fair trade and sustainable development.
- Supporting others to protect and repair the environment.
- Creating and supporting education and literacy programs.
Program Description
In the first semester, students study conversational Spanish and explore international development strategies through classroom discussion and small group simulation activities. Content focuses on global concerns related to literacy development, poverty reduction, public health, employment creation, sustainable environmental options, public awareness and education, and conflict resolution. Following an introduction to safe travel, semester two includes a four-week international placement experience. Upon their return to the College, students engage in course work that involves reflection upon their international experience and preparation for a final four-week internship.
Approximate Cost
Tuition/Ancillary Fees: $3,393 (two semesters)
Program Ancillary Fee: $3,500 (field trip)
Books and Supplies: $400
Admission Requirements
(a) Required academic preparation –
College Diploma or University Degree – Applicants must have completed either a college diploma or a university degree.
Loyalist Graduates – Students enrolled in many Loyalist College programs may be able to reserve a place in the program providing they maintain a successful standing in their College program. Students must apply through ontariocolleges.ca to be considered for admission.
Advanced Standing – Applicants with prior learning or related work experience may be eligible for credit recognition through Prior Learning Assessment or transfer of credit from another college or university. Click here for details.
(b) Health: A formal confidential personal health history is required as part of the registration process, and to participate in practica/field placements. All applicants must be aware of the basic health requirements for employment and for field placement. Prospective students with special needs or limitations that may affect their field placement or potential employment opportunities are encouraged to discuss their program and career goals with a program coordinator prior to admissions.
(c) CPR and First Aid: Prior to field placements, students must have valid certification in Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR.
(d) Criminal Record Check: In order to participate in place- ments, students will be required to submit a criminal record check from their local police service, including Vulnerable Sector check.
(e) Canadian Passport – Students must provide evidence of a valid Canadian Passport. Students from countries other than Canada must receive appropriate visas and documentation for the travel component of the program.
Curriculum
Semester 1
INSW 1000 Introduction to a Continuum of Development Strategies
Students will begin to focus on a variety of development efforts that respond to needs expressed by people living in difficult situations. A continuum will be used to examine those strategies that are applied on a person-by-person basis (such as sponsorship programs); to those which are applied locally in small organizations (such as through a co-operative); to those which are national, international or systemic (such as trade policies). They will also cover various Codes of Conduct that guide international development.
INSW 1001 Direct Support Strategies A
Students will explore and compare strategies for development that have been used at the local, regional or national level. These strategies will be taught using a combination of presentations and teacher-guided research.
INSW 1002 Direct Support Strategies B - Simulations
Students will practice problem solving skills in selected theme areas of development. This experiential and interactive education using simulations and role playing will be based on actual experiences, including those without resolution. The context of these themes will focus on Latin America to maximize the experiences of Semester Two. However, the intention is that the application will have a global focus and the principles involved will be transferable to any location.
INSW 1003 System Change Strategies
Students will explore and compare strategies for development which can be used at the national and/or international level, including policy analysis. These system change strategies will be taught using a combination of presentations and teacher-guided research. This will be followed by role playing simulations which are based on actual experiences.
LANG 1001 Conversational Spanish
Students will learn basic Spanish, focusing on simple travel and conversational terms. Students who already have some skills in Spanish may be asked to help tutor classmates in order to improve their fluency, and to expand their vocabulary in conversations regarding human rights and social justice.
Semester 2
INSW 1004 Proposal Writing and Fund Raising
Students will explore different varieties of fund raising, including completing Canada International Development Agency (CIDA) proposals.
TRVL 1009 Safe Travel
Students will prepare to travel to urban and rural places where living is difficult. Issues considered are health and safety, team building, culture shock, and dealing with the unexpected.
INSW 1005 Experiential Learning - Exploring International Development Strategies
Students will spend 4 weeks in dialogue with people who live in extreme circumstances, as well as with relief and development organizations. Students will focus on travelling safely in a challenging multicultural environment, determining the needs expressed by people needing support and observing how organizations respond to those needs.
INSW 1006 Create and Implement a Personal Action Plan
Students will work in teams to create written individualized Personal Action Plans that combine their pre-existing experience with the ISW learning. This plan will include internship or project options, preliminary contact and negotiations, and listing and carrying out further research or learning required for the upcoming internship/project.
INTN 1005 Internship or Project Implementation
Students will engage in an internship, potentially in another country (this may involve additional expense beyond the paid tuition). Upon completion they will return to share the experience with the group.
