Global College Practicum Information
Practicum Information and Opportunities
An optional practicum in HRGS is now available to HRGS majors as a freestanding credit course!
In the practicum, students integrate theory and classroom knowledge with practice through supervised field work and structured assignments and reflections. The practicum involves volunteer work related to Human Rights and Global Studies in a relevant organization, and participation in specified seminars and/or written analyses.
A local placement can often be completed on a part-time basis, while in an international setting, the placement is usually full-time, and should be for a minimum of three months to allow time for understanding local contexts and cultures.
- For further details, read more here.
- View syllabus for HRGS 3510
To start the planning process, or for further questions, contact the HRGS Coordinator, Dean Peachey at d.peachey@uwinnipeg.ca or 204.988.7106.
HRGS Practicum Experiences
Make Music Matter, Inc.
Brianne Hellrung
"I spent 6 weeks in Mwurire Sector (Eastern Province), in rural Rwanda conducting interviews with students, parents, and key informants to help create a mechanism to monitor and evaluate a program that will be established at the Uyisenga N'Manzi Peace Centre. This program, through Make Music Matter Inc., a Canadian (Winnipeg-based) charity, teaches youth about HIV/AIDS and help to diminish the stigma associated with the disease through the production and dissemination of music. I interviewed approximately 100 people (mainly youth) to better understand their current situations, their knowledge on HIV/AIDS and their perception of those HIV-positive. What did I learn throughout my trip? Music is an incredible tool that resonates throughout Rwandan population, both young and old and has the power to breakdown cultural barriers that limit discussion on taboo subjects, like AIDS. Rwandans are also incredibly welcoming and resilient people and in the face of unfathomable hardship, the country continues to work towards development and lasting reconciliation."
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM)
Maddie Pearlman
"One only needs to be at IRCOM for five minutes to see just how relevant Human Rights and Global Studies are to the work being done at IRCOM. IRCOM provides a space that is assisting and empowering a global community. IRCOM’s current three hundred tenants are from more than twenty countries, bringing a magnitude of different cultural, ethnic and religious practices and norms. Reflecting on my practicum, it became clear that I was contributing to an organization that strives to protect the human rights of these individuals. The right to education, the right to life, liberty and security and the right to the freedom of expression are just a few of the many rights IRCOM promotes and actively advocates for.
Fulfilling my practicum in the kids summer program meant being a role model for the kids and youth at IRCOM on a daily basis. It meant promoting respect, safety, tolerance and of course, fun. It also meant assisting staff to create and implement a variety of programs for kids ages 6-12. These programs included arts and crafts, sports and swimming and various outings such as going to the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and the Millennium Library. For me, it was important to actively participate in every program so that I could interact and build relationships with the kids as well as being present to support the staff as much as possible. Within the first week, I felt at home at IRCOM and already understood that the staff at IRCOM took “community organization” very seriously. I always felt comfortable and included in the community of the program staff. My two months at IRCOM has given me the opportunity to meet some of the most inspirational and resilient individuals, whom I hope will remain in my life for a long time to come. Every day with those kids had an undeniable impression on me and pushed me to be the best that I can be."