Types of experiential learning

Experiential learning activities at UCalgary are integrated into courses and degree programs and others are elective activities that happen outside of coursework. 

University of Calgary Laboratory for Integrative Design Research Assistant Nicolas Hamel lines up a guide as he helps to construct the Furbaniture wood panels for the Walk21 project

Co-curricular

Activities that take place during a degree experience, but outside of regular courses.

Examples include: internships, volunteer experiences, competitions, personal-development programs, accelerators and more.

Zeanna Janmohamed, a second-year veterinary medicine student, assists in studying the welfare of bucking bulls at the 2019 Calgary Stampede

Curriculum-integrated

Activities that take place within academic courses.  

Examples include: field schools, labs, creative performances, project-based learning, studios, case studies and more. 

The University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) partners with the Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS) to host free veterinary clinics for pets of people living below the poverty line.

Community-engaged

Activities that contribute to a research project. These can be co-curricular or course-based, individual or group projects, and paid or unpaid opportunities.  

Examples include: course-based research, individual research projects (like PURE) and studentships, research assistantships and more.  

Undergraduate students collect wastewater samples to test for COVID-19 in the population

Research-based

Activities that contribute to a research project. These can be co-curricular or course-based, individual research projects or studentships, and research assistantships. 

Examples include: course-based research, individual research projects (like PURE) and studentships, research assistantships, and more. 
 

The annual Schulich School of Engineering Capstone Design Fair showcases and celebrates the design projects of final year Schulich engineering students.

Work-integrated

Activities that happen in a workplace or practice setting, incorporating academic study. Some opportunities are paid, some are not. WIL provides students with career-related experience, enhances their confidence and allows them to explore potential career paths. For employers and partners, working with students offers an opportunity to leverage future talent.

Examples include: co-ops, internships, consulting projects, professional, clinical practice, field experience, partnered capstone projects, and practicums.