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
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.
Applied experience
Contribute to the priorities and interests of a partner organization while building experience that connects academic work and professional practice.
Transferable skills
Strengthen your research, writing, communication, collaboration, and analytical skills through structured experiential learning.
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
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
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
- Aurora Strategy Global
- BYJ Toronto
- C.D. Howe Institute
- Clean Prosperity
- Digital Public Square
- JACS Toronto
- Jumpstart Refugee Talent
- John Cintosun Law
- Karma Co-op
- Matthew House Refugee Services
- METRAC: Action on Violence
-
Ve’ahavta
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: 1
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: 2
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.
Government Relations Student Placement | Aurora Strategy Global
Number of Positions: 2
Location: 1200 Bay Street, Suite 1201, Toronto, ON M5R 2A5
Work Format: Flexible, with opportunities for in-person client meetings and regular check-ins
Student Workday Options: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
Supervisor: Marcel Wieder, President & Chief Advocate
About Aurora Strategy Global
Aurora Strategy Global is a Toronto-based public affairs firm working across government relations, public relations, research, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement. The firm supports organizations in communicating with government, stakeholders, and the public.
Student Role
Students will work across Aurora Strategy Global’s public affairs files, with potential exposure to energy, finance, defence, government relations, and new business development. The placement will emphasize research, writing, and client engagement, and provides experience across multiple projects and subject areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Support research and analysis across client and public affairs files.
- Contribute to written materials, presentations, advocacy resources, and other client-facing products.
- Participate in client meetings where appropriate.
- Support activities and research related to Canadian political and policy issues.
- Assist with new business development, including identifying prospective clients and supporting pitch presentations and materials.
- Contribute to emerging initiatives such as newsletters, social media, or updates to existing advocacy resources.
Qualifications
- Strong understanding of Canadian politics.
- Excellent research and writing skills.
- Strong presentation and communication skills.
- Sound judgement and discretion when working with client information.
- Interest in client-facing public affairs work, advocacy, and business development.
Additional Requirements
- Students must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement.
- Students must apply for security clearance prior to the start of the placement.
Community Programming Student Placement | BYJ Community Organization
Number of Positions: 2
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: 1
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.
Climate Policy Student Placement | Clean Prosperity
Number of Positions: 1
Location: 18 King Street East, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON M5C 1C4
Work Format: Remote, with regular weekly in-person meetings with the Toronto-based Research Manager on/near the U of T campus
Student Workday Options: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday
Supervisor: Chloe McElhone, Research Manager
About Clean Prosperity
Clean Prosperity is an independent Canadian climate policy organization that develops and advocates for pragmatic, market-oriented solutions to grow the low-carbon economy. Its priority areas include carbon markets, low-carbon growth, and net-zero planning.
Student Role
The student will support Clean Prosperity’s research and policy team as it assesses new Canadian carbon market rules expected at the end of 2026. The placement will focus on research and analysis related to industrial climate policy and climate technologies, with opportunities to contribute to written policy products and presentations.
Key Responsibilities
- Support research and analysis on new Canadian carbon market rules.
- Conduct heavy industrial policy analysis related to climate and energy policy.
- Research climate technologies, including carbon capture and electricity.
- Draft briefs, presentations, and other research materials.
- Support additional research and policy tasks as required.
- Depending on project needs, gain exposure to government relations, fundraising, and other areas of Clean Prosperity’s operations.
Qualifications
- Interest in energy and climate policy and politics.
- Strong economics, statistics, and quantitative research background
- Ability to work independently and take initiative in a remote work environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace is considered an asset.
- Familiarity with AI tools such as Claude is considered an asset.
- Strong writing skills (i.e., knowledge translation, the ability to clearly communicate research jargon) are considered an asset.
Public Policy Student Placement | Digital Public Square
Number of Positions: 2
Location: 192 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2C2
Work Format: Predominantly in-person with less than 25% virtual
Student Workday Options: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
Supervisor: Alexander Chipman Koty, Research and Policy Lead
About Digital Public Square
Digital Public Square is a Toronto-based not-for-profit organization focused on supporting communities to engage with social and civic challenges in the digital era. Its work combines research, technology, community engagement, and knowledge translation to develop tools and resources addressing issues such as polarization, online harms, misinformation, and community resilience.
Student Role
Students will support a public policy landscape assessment focused on approaches to addressing polarization, online harms, and related issues. The project will examine policies adopted outside Canada and assess their relevance and potential applicability within the Canadian context.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research on policies addressing polarization, online harms, and related public policy challenges.
- Identify and review relevant policy approaches adopted outside Canada.
- Analyze the relevance and applicability of international policy approaches to Canada.
- Synthesize findings into clear written research and policy analysis.
- Support analysis of survey data where required.
- Contribute to analytical newsletter or blog content based on project findings.
Qualifications
- Strong writing and research skills.
- Knowledge of polarization, online harms, and public policy.
- Political acumen and sensitivity.
- Ability to analyze and communicate complex policy issues clearly.
Healthcare Policy Student Placement | JACS Toronto
Number of Positions: 2
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.
Client Engagement Student Placement | Jumpstart Refugee Talent
Number of Positions: 1
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.
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.
Grant Alignment Student Placement | Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC)
Number of Positions: 3
Location: 158 Spadina Rd, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2T8
Work Format: Predominantly in-person, with less than 25% virtual work
Student Workdays: Monday and Tuesday
Supervisor: Deborah Hurley-Laing, Executive Director
Designate Person: Simone Mclaughlin, Program Administrative Support
About METRAC
METRAC: Action on Violence is an Ontario-incorporated registered Canadian charity dedicated to preventing and ending gender-based violence through education, research, policy, and community engagement. Its work includes initiatives focused on safety, access to justice, youth leadership, violence prevention, and resource development.
Student Role
Students will support METRAC through research focused on grant alignment and issues affecting immigrant women. The placement will involve identifying relevant funding opportunities, examining research areas connected to METRAC’s work, organizing findings to support future decision-making and activities, and other program support tasks as needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Become familiar with METRAC’s work and priority areas relevant to its grant needs.
- Research and assess grant opportunities that align with METRAC’s priorities.
- Organize grant research findings to support organizational decision-making.
- Identify relevant research areas and information related to immigrant women within the scope of METRAC’s work.
- Conduct research that can inform METRAC’s programming and grant opportunities.
- Synthesize findings in written formats to support future research and activities.
Qualifications
- Commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, feminist or women-centered work, and METRAC’s values and mission.
- Strong critical thinking, research, and data analysis skills.
- Excellent writing and communication skills.
- Computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft applications.
- Awareness of issues affecting gender-based violence.
Additional Requirements
- A Vulnerable Sector Check must be initiated before the placement begins but does not need to be completed before the start date.
- Completion of onboarding forms and paperwork.
Communications Student Placement | Ve’ahavta
Number of Positions: 2
Location: 4100 Chesswood Dr, Unit 1, North York, ON M3J 2B9
Work Format: Predominantly in-person with less than 25% virtual
Student Workday Option: Wednesday
Supervisor: Jennifer Hazan, VP, Communications
About Ve’ahavta
Ve’ahavta is a Toronto-based charitable organization that supports people experiencing homelessness and significant socioeconomic barriers through programs and services designed to support individuals to move toward greater stability and self-sufficiency.
Student Role
The student will support Ve’ahavta’s communications team across on projects including content creation, public relations strategy, and media planning. The placement may also include internal project-management and information-organization tasks that support the communications team’s day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development of communications content.
- Contribute to public relations strategy and related communications planning.
- Assist with media buying strategy.
- Support project management and coordination using Monday.com.
- Help organize organizational photo files and other SharePoint files.
- Contribute to additional communications and organizational tasks as required.
Qualifications
- Strong organizational skills.
- Familiarity with Monday.com.
- Social media knowledge and confidence working across digital platforms.
- Experience with content development.
- Passion, knowledge, and talent for content creation (video, audio, static posts)
- Willingness to support both communications projects and internal organizational work.
Additional Requirements
- Media release and confidentiality agreement.
Eligibility
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.
- Review the placement opportunities available
- Select up to five placements that you are most interested in
- Prepare a tailored cover letter and resume for each selected placement
- Complete the application form by the deadline: Tuesday September 22nd at 5pm
- Watch for updates about next steps in October
Key Dates
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
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.