MUN368H1: Global Practicum

Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy Sign

MUN368H1: Global Practicum is an experiential learning course with an academic internship component. Students are required to complete in-class activities, workshops, readings, and assignments, and contribute a minimum of 80-100 hours of activity in support of an organizational partner’s priorities and interests.

Eligible students will be asked to select up to five placements that they are most interested in and apply for them by submitting a tailored cover letter and resume.

Partner Organizations

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
BYJ Toronto
BYJ Toronto
C.D. Howe Institute
C.D. Howe Institute
Clean Prosperity
Clean Prosperity
JACS
JACS Toronto
Jumpstart Refugee Talent
Jumpstart Refugee Talent
Matthew House Toronto
Matthew House Toronto
METRAC: Action on Violence
METRAC: Action on Violence

Course Overview

Placements vary in focus and work style: some are fast-paced and collaborative, while others emphasize independent research or writing. Roles may involve public-facing work such as communications, outreach, or event support, or more analytical tasks like policy research, data analysis, and strategy development. A high degree of flexibility, a strong sense of professionalism, and a commitment to being a contributing member of a team are vital.

Students Looking at Macbook
 

Applied experience

Contribute to the priorities and interests of a partner organization while building experience that connects academic work and professional practice.

Four students sit at a table with a two projections of the UPL logo on the wall behind them
 

Transferable skills

Strengthen your research, writing, communication, collaboration, and analytical skills through structured experiential learning.

Munk One Case competition 2025
 

Cross-sector exposure

Explore placements in public, private, and non-profit settings, with responsibilities that vary in focus, pace, and style of work.

There is a mandatory class component to the course that is complementary to your placement. The class is scheduled on Mondays from 9 - 11 AM in the Winter. The class will not meet every Monday; students should expect approximately 4–5 class sessions throughout the semester. The specific class dates will be communicated to students at the beginning of the course. Students must ensure that their winter semester schedule fits their placement's in-person working hours. Students can refer to the posting description to confirm in-person requirements

Note on costs

There may be additional costs to participate in this course. For example, weekly transportation and vulnerable sector checks may be required depending on the placement.

Do not enrol on ACORN

Please note that students should not enroll in this course through ACORN, as enrollment does not guarantee a placement. Students who are successfully matched with and accepted by a placement site will be added to the course by the Undergraduate Coordinator in October.

COURSE SNAPSHOT

Course code
MUN368H1S


Term
Winter 2027


Time
Mondays, 9 - 11 AM


Sectors
Public, private, and non-profit


Format
Class component plus practicum placement

Placements & Eligibility

group of people at work

Placements vary in focus and work style, but students should expect to contribute in meaningful ways to an organizational partner’s priorities and interests. Depending on the role, work may involve public-facing tasks, research, writing, analysis, or support for collaborative projects.

  • Policy research, background research, or issue-area analysis.
  • Writing, editing, or support for reports, briefs, or communications materials.
  • Communications, outreach, or event support.
  • Support for data analysis, strategy development, or project coordination.
  • Independent work, collaborative work, or a combination of both.

Placement Opportunities

Explore the placement opportunities below from our partner organizations:

  • Asia Pacific Foundation Canada
  • BYJ Toronto
  • C.D. Howe Institute
  • Clean Prosperity
  • JACS Toronto
  • Jumpstart Refugee Talent
  • Matthew House Refugee Services
  • METRAC: Action on Violence

     

Please note that placement opportunities will be added on a rolling basis through September 11. We encourage you to begin working on your applications early and to check back regularly, as new opportunities may be posted throughout this period. We anticipate that all opportunities should be available by September 11th.

Policy Study Student Placement | Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) 

Number of Positions:

Location: 205-375 University Ave, Toronto ON M5G2J5 

Work Format: Predominantly in-person with less than 25% virtual 

Student Workday Options: Monday, Wednesday or Thursday  

Supervisor: Mari Naganuma, Program Manager, i-LEAD 

 

About 

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is Canada’s only national public-purpose institution dedicated exclusively to Canada-Asia engagement. APF Canada, in partnership with Catalyste+, administers the Innovative Leadership for Equitable and Accessibly Democracy (i-LEAD) program, which focuses on strengthening civil society and democratic spaces by promoting inclusive governance, gender equality, human rights and digital transformation. 

 

Role 

The student will support a comparative policy study under APF Canada’s i-LEAD program examining digital transformation initiatives across the Philippines, Vietnam, and Mongolia. The study will assess how governments are using digital tools and platforms to improve access to services and markets for marginalized populations.  

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Conduct desk research and a literature review focused on one of the three study countries. 
  • Review and synthesize relevant academic, policy, and other sources. 
  • Where possible, translate findings from primary sources in the relevant language. 
  • Prepare written summaries and analysis to support the comparative policy study. 
  • Support preparation of interview materials and take notes during stakeholder consultations, as needed. 
  • Assist with administrative tasks related to i-LEAD programming where required. 

 

Qualifications 

  • Strong research and writing skills, including the ability to synthesize large volumes of information. 
  • Strong attention to detail in sourcing and citation. 
  • Ability to work independently with relatively limited supervision. 
  • Interest in digital transformation, inclusion, or development policy in Asia. 
  • Reading proficiency in Tagalog, Vietnamese, or Mongolian is considered a strong asset. 

Kakehashi Project Student Placement | Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) 

Number of Positions:

Location: 205-375 University Ave, Toronto ON M5G2J5 

Work Format: Predominantly in-person with less than 25% virtual 

Student Workday Options: Monday or Thursday 

Supervisor: Siân Jones, Senior Program Manager, Kakehashi Project 

 

About APF Canada 

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is Canada’s only national public-purpose institution dedicated exclusively to Canada-Asia engagement. APF Canada administers the Japan-Canada Kakehashi Project, which promotes youth exchange and stronger connections between Canada and Japan. 

 

Student Role  

Students will support several Kakehashi Project initiatives integrating research, analysis, event planning, and program support. A central component of the placement will be developing a comprehensive report examining 13 years of Kakehashi programming and organizing a Canada-Japan student event at the Munk School in March 2027. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Review and organize Kakehashi Project data, key performance indicators, testimonials, and supporting materials. 
  • Analyze program information to identify key findings and trends across activities since 2013. 
  • Draft and finalize a comprehensive report on the Kakehashi Project. 
  • Develop the concept and activities for a student event involving an incoming Japanese university cohort and Munk School students. 
  • Coordinate event programming, communications, logistics, and day-of delivery. 
  • Assist with operational tasks, including document digitization and social media activities. 

 

Qualifications 

  • Strong analytical and research skills. 
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and meet deadlines. 
  • Familiarity with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. 
  • Interest in Japan and Canada-Asia cultural exchange programs. 
  • Experience with international cultural exchange, Instagram, Adobe, Canva, or other presentation tools is preferred. 
  • Knowledge of Japan or Japanese and previous experience working with governmental stakeholders are considered assets. 

 

Additional Requirements 

  • Access to a personal laptop for placement work. 

Community Programming Student Placement | BYJ Community Organization 

Number of Positions:

Location: 105-1911 Kennedy Road, Scarborough, ON M1P 2L9 

Work Format: Predominantly in-person with less than 25% virtual 

Student Workday Options: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday 

Supervisor: Gerard Meade, Executive Director 

 

About BYJ 

BYJ Community Services supports marginalized Black youth, families, and community groups through social support, advocacy, and community development. BYJ's work spans areas including employment, education, housing and homelessness, health, accessibility, civic engagement, and community development. 

 

Student Role 

Students will contribute to a range of BYJ research, policy and community initiatives based on organizational priorities during the placement. Potential areas of work include research, proposal development, community programming, policy development, civic engagement, and the conceptualization, design, and planning of initiatives which support Black youth and communities. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Support Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) proposal development through research and related project activities. 
  • Contribute to the planning and implementation of BYJ’s Community of Practice. 
  • Support planning for the annual Black Youth Jobs conference. 
  • Conduct research and contribute to policy development related to reparations. 
  • Assist with civic engagement and activities connected to the United Nations Second International Decade for People of African Descent. 
  • Support research, administration, workshop co-facilitation, client intake, and case management as required. 

 

Qualifications 

  • Eagerness to learn and contribute to BYJ’s work. 
  • Interest in gaining experience across research, policy administration, and community-focused programming. 
  • Willingness to support different projects and responsibilities based on organizational priorities. 

 

Additional Requirements 

  • A Vulnerable Sector Check must be initiated, though not completed before the placement begins; 
  • NOTE: Vulnerable Sector Checks received within the past 6months will be considered, and fees for new applications will be reimbursed. 

Conference Delivery Student Placement | C.D. Howe Institute 

Number of Positions:

Location: 110 Yonge Street, Suite 800, Toronto 

Work Format: Predominantly in-person with less than 25% virtual 

Student Workday Options: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday  

Supervisor: Christopher Lawson, Manager of Research Advancement 

 

About C.D. Howe 

The C.D. Howe Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research institute focused on improving Canadians’ living standards through economically sound public policy. Its work combines evidence-based research with opportunities for policymakers and experts to engage on major Canadian policy issues. 

 

Student Role 

The student will join the Research Advancement team and support the development and delivery of a winter/spring 2027 public policy conference. Depending on project needs and qualifications, the placement may also include research advancement activities and research support across a range of economic policy areas. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Support development of the conference program and its public policy content. 
  • Assist with sponsor and speaker outreach and coordination. 
  • Support conference planning, logistics, and day-of delivery. 
  • Contribute to proposals supporting funding for research projects. 
  • Assist with the planning and coordination of council or working group meetings. 
  • Conduct background research and support assigned research activities where required. 

 

Qualifications 

  • General knowledge of Canadian public policy issues. 
  • Familiarity with relevant research and data sources, particularly in law and economics. 
  • Strong research, writing, and organizational skills. 
  • Ability to contribute effectively to project and event coordination. 
  • Additional skills may be considered depending on the specific research projects assigned. 

 

Additional Requirements 

  • Placement requirements include completion of onboarding training modules and forms and paperwork. 

Healthcare Policy Student Placement | JACS Toronto 

Number of Positions:

Location: 3625 Dufferin Street, Suite 400 

Work Format: Predominantly in-person with less than 25% virtual 

Student Workday Options: Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday 

Supervisor: Maya Tzur, Clinical Executive Administrator 

**NOTE: Placement on-site activity will begin after January 29th, 2027 

 

About JACS Toronto

JACS Toronto provides education, programming, care, and support for people affected by addiction in the Jewish community and beyond. Its services and programming include individual counseling, support groups, outreach, education, prevention, and mental health support. 

 

Student Role

Students will support JACS in strengthening its policy development and management processes. The placement will begin with preparatory research and onboarding, followed by on-site policy review and the development of practical recommendations to improve how organizational policies are developed, organized, approved, tracked, and maintained. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Conduct research to support existing policies and identify opportunities for new or revised policies.  
  • Review relevant legislation and accreditation standards. 
  • Recommend standardized policy templates, naming conventions, and policy categories. 
  • Develop recommendations for safely organizing current and archived organizational policies 
  • Support the development of systems for tracking policy revisions, approvals, and records. 
  • Prepare research summaries, recommended policy priorities, tracking tools, and a roadmap for a policy management system. 

 

Qualifications 

  • Knowledge of or interest in healthcare policy, particularly addiction and mental health.  
  • Strong research, critical-thinking, organizational, and writing skills.  
  • Strong attention to detail and confidentiality.  
  • Ability to use trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing language. 

 

Additional Requirements 

  • Vulnerable Sector Check must be completed before the placement begins; 
  • On-boarding/training modules must be completed; 
  • Required forms and paperwork; 
  • NDA/confidentiality agreement.  

Program Support Student Placement | Matthew House Refugee Services Toronto 

Number of Positions: 2  

Location: 981 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario 

Work Format: Fully in-person 

Student Workday Options: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday   

Supervisor: Rochelle McAlister, Executive Director 

 

About Matthew House 

Matthew House Toronto is a refugee-serving organization that welcomes refugee claimants with shelter, community, and settlement supports. Its services include shelter, transitional housing, case management, refugee hearing preparation, and newcomer/refugee-related programming 

 

Student Role 

Students will conduct a landscape analysis of refugee services available across the Greater Toronto Area and assess the needs of current and former Matthew House residents. Findings from this work will inform a recommendation report identifying how Matthew House can move forward. Students may also support resident programming based on their interests and opportunities that arise during the placement. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Conduct a landscape analysis of refugee services available across the Greater Toronto Area. 
  • Identify gaps within the existing refugee services landscape. 
  • Analyze the needs of current and former Matthew House residents and identify related service gaps. 
  • Develop a recommendation report based on findings from the landscape and resident needs analyses. 
  • Support the planning of resident information sessions or programming where relevant opportunities arise 
  • Assist with operationalizing resident programming or information sessions based on interest and placement needs. 

 

Qualifications 

  • Compassion and professionalism when working in a refugee-supporting environment. 
  • Strong communication skills. 
  • Strong organizational skills. 
  • Ability to contribute effectively to research, analysis, and project-based work. 

 

Additional Requirements 

  • A Vulnerable Sector Check must be fully completed before the placement begins.  
  • Completion of onboarding forms and paperwork. 

Client Engagement Student Placement | Jumpstart Refugee Talent 

Number of Positions:

Location: 1 University Ave, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5J 2P1 

Work Format: Predominantly in-person with less than 25% virtual 

Student Workday: Wednesday 

Supervisor: Dawit Demoz, Senior Manager, Client Engagement 

 

About Jumpstart Refugee Talent 

Jumpstart Refugee Talent supports refugee talent and employers by advancing job readiness, employment connections, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and economic mobility. The organization also undertakes strategic initiatives focused on strengthening refugee economic inclusion. 

 

Student Role  

The student will support Jumpstart’s Client Engagement team in delivering career readiness programming for refugees and newcomers. The placement combines client and community outreach, workshop and event support, administrative coordination, and contributions to internal process improvement. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Support the delivery of career readiness programs and conduct outreach to clients and community partners. 
  • Track workshop and event attendance and complete related follow-up activities. 
  • Assist with notetaking, research, document preparation, and writing as required. 
  • Prepare program materials and provide administrative support to the Senior Manager, Client Engagement and Career Coaches. 
  • Support workshop and event logistics, delivery, and follow-up. 
  • Contribute to process improvement initiatives and other administrative tasks identified during the placement. 

 

Qualifications 

  • Experience or interest in program and project coordination or administrative support. 
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail while managing multiple tasks and deadlines. 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and other online platforms. 
  • Self-directed and eager to learn, interested in the nonprofit, employment, or community services sector. 

 

Additional Requirements 

  • A Vulnerable Sector Check must be initiated but does not need to be completed before the placement begins. 

Eligibility

Program of Study

Credits

Students must have completed 10.0 credits

Matching

Eligible students will be selected on the basis of the alignment of their skills and interests with partner objectives.

The matching process is highly complex. Students are encouraged to be very open to embracing a match that may not be their first choice. A student’s professionalism is appreciated and their flexibility, essential.

How to Apply

Please complete the application form so that the program team can best match you with a partner organization. Insight into your academic background, skills, experience, objectives, and interests will help identify appropriate fit with partners in light of their specific project priorities and organizational needs.

  1. Review the placement opportunities available
  2. Select up to five placements that you are most interested in
  3. Prepare a tailored cover letter and resume for each selected placement
  4. Complete the application form by the deadline: Tuesday September 22nd at 5pm
  5. Watch for updates about next steps in October

Questions?

Contact the Undergraduate Coordinator for more information.

Helpful tips on drafting and formatting

Please also note that some placement sites may wish to interview students before confirming a placement. Students are encouraged access the "Resumé and Cover Letter Toolkit," developed by the Career Exploration & Education (CxED) team in the Office of Student Life: https://uoft.me/bDC

Key Dates

Applications Open
Early September
Application Deadline
September 22
Matching fit conversations and placement finalization
October
Course and Placement begins
Winter 2027

Interested in Future Iterations?

To prepare for the application process, students who are interested in future iterations of MUN368: Global Practicum are required to attend a minimum of two Munk School career sessions before applying for the course. These sessions will support students to strengthen their resume and cover letter, learn more about professional expectations, and prepare stronger applications for future placement opportunities


Career Session Dates:

  • Career Exploration & Education Workshop 1: Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interview Skills, Monday, October 5th, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Career Exploration & Education Workshop 2: Networking Strategies: Monday, November 16th, 2pm- 3:30pm
  • Career Exploration & Education Workshop 3: Summer Jobs and Internships, Monday, January 18th, 1pm-2:30pm
  • Career Exploration & Education Workshop 2a: Networking Strategies: Monday, February 22nd, 1pm-2:30
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Apply to MUN368H1S: Global Practicum

MUN368H offers an experiential learning opportunity that combines academic study with a practicum placement. Review the opportunities, prepare your materials, and submit your application.