Carleton Centre Offers EU civil society exchanges

Source: The Charlatan, September 10-16, 2009
By: Elise A. Milbradt

This year Carleton’s Centre for Voluntary Sector Research and Development (CVSRD), which provides exchange opportunities focused on social development and civil society, will be offering student exchanges to the European Union (EU) for the first time.

Exchanges are now offered in Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, in addition to those previously offered to Mexico and the United States.

With funding from the International Academic Mobility Initiative, through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, students travelling to the U.S. or Mexico on exchange will receive a $3,500 stipend, while those chosen for the new EU exchange will receive a $4,000 stipend to assist with exchange costs.

Exchanges are one semester long and tuition is paid to Carleton, so international student fees will not apply to those on exchange.

The centre’s student exchange programs are specifically geared towards those with an interest in civil society, also know as non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, or the voluntary sector.

“There is a very pointed purpose.  This is really focused on civil society,” said Sandra Jones, the centre’s student exchange coordinator.  “You don’t necessarily have to be studying civil society [to be chosen to go on exchange], but you can have a strong interest in it, perhpas through volunteer work.  [Civil society] can be your own passion.”

She said students who are simply interested in going on exchange should think about other options.

Jones said everyone from social work students with a passion for non-profit organizations to journalism students interested in writing about NGOSs can apply for this exchange.

Patrick Snider, a second-year political sicence master’s student at Carleton, was on exchange to the University of Texas from January to May 2009.

“It was surprisingly educational in ways I didn’t expect,” he said.

He said it was interesting to see the extensive sorority and fraternity culture, and the different teaching styles in the United States.

Aruna Rajulu, who did her exchange to Mexico City in 2008, said what stood out for her was the opportunity to do a case study while on exchange.  Her case study centered on an organization that provided programs and interventions for street youth in Mexico.

“It’s kind of crazy, the reality some people live,” she said.  “It was fascinating to be able to gain an understanding of the context in which [the organization] operates and the amazing dedication of the people with that sector.”