CEWIL Resource Hub: Indigenous WIL at the University of Victoria

Students prepare for their exchange with a preparatory seminar that provides the knowledge and skills necessary for working with Indigenous communities and organizations, or with campus-based academic researchers. The seminar is typically intimate and is a great way for Indigenous students to connect. They learn about how to put their knowledge into practice in an Indigenous context.

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Key success factors

  • Hunt et al’s report on key principles and best practices for supporting Indigenous student success was used to design the Indigenous International WIL program (Hunt et al., 2010, p. 106). As such, the Indigenous International WIL exchange program supports the principles of reciprocal learning, Indigenous identity development, culturally relevant programming, community building, relationship building and individualized programming. Some examples include a traditional welcome that includes a blanketing ceremony by Indigenous Elders, engaging with other Indigenous students in the LE,NONET preparation seminar to foster Indigenous identity development, etc. 

Unique characteristics

  • The Indigenous international WIL exchange is one of the first programs to address the calls to action around closing the gap of education and employment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students on an international scale. 
  • The program enables Indigenous students to develop employability skills while holding on to, and strengthening their connection to, their Indigenous identity, values, traditions, and communities. 
  • The program was awarded the 2019 British Columbia Council for International Education’s Award for Outstanding Program in International Education for its high-quality and highly creative programming in international education. 
  • The program team received the CBIE 2019 Panorama award in November 2019. 

Resources

Key characteristics

  • Type: Indigenous International WIL
  • Year program was established: 2015
  • Number of students per year: 2-6
  • Number of employers/partners per year: 3
  • Programs/academic disciplines participating: Indigenous students of all disciplines
  • Duration of experience: 4 months for outgoing students (co-op), 3 weeks for incoming students (WIL after full academic term)  
  • Submitted by: Karima Ramji