Uganda

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Internships in Uganda

This internship opportunity is part of the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship (QES) program.*

It will be carried out in partnership with the University of Calgary, the host organizations in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia, and with the technical support of Universities Canada. The QES program engages a dynamic community of young global leaders across the Commonwealth to create lasting impact both at home and abroad through cross-cultural exchanges encompassing international education, discovery and inquiry, and professional experiences.

* The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship (QES) is managed through a unique partnership of Universities Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) and Canadian universities. This program is made possible with financial support from the Government of Canada, provincial governments and the private sector. 

 

Key information

Location

Mbarara, Uganda

 

 

Language

English

Semester

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Program type

Internship

Application information

Application status

Closed

Fall 2023 applications

Deadline passed

University-specific additional requirements

Suitability letter, CV and two references required - see the Eligibility section below.

Future placements

Fall 2023 was the final round of the current QES project. Stay tuned for updates on new projects to be announced. 

Student Experience

UCalgary QES alumni Zeeyaan Somani and Kevin Capuno join other Canadian Scholars to share the highlights of their QES experience.

Queen Elizabeth Scholars program

Program details

Evaluation and Research Intern -HAY project

  • Must be senior undergrad or graduate level student at UCalgary enrolled in Health Sciences, Development Studies, Sociology, Anthropology or related degrees. 
  • Job Summary: Methods and writing, charts & graphs
  • The successful candidate:
    • Excellent research skills (knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods) and knowledge of research process (proposals, questionnaire development, qualtrics an asset)
    • Literature review and referencing, preparing abstracts an asset
    • Data management (excel and preferably database management, N-Vivo an asset) 
    • Official working language is English.
    • Must be mature and independent.
    • Must be flexible and willing to adapt according to the needs of the program and cultural setting with empathy and consideration.
    • For details check the position description linked above

The intern is expected to commit at least 7 hours a day, five days a week (or 35 hours a week) to work with the local partner organization. Interns must also be enrolled in a course during the internship period (online or distance, such as a directed reading course or independent study.)

Evaluation and Research Intern -SIM for Life 

  • Must be senior undergrad or graduate level student at UCalgary enrolled in Health Sciences, Development Studies, Sociology, Anthropology or related degrees. 
  • Job Summary: Methods and writing, charts & graphs
  • The successful candidate:
    • Excellent research skills (knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods) and knowledge of research process (proposals, questionnaire development, qualtrics an asset)
    • Literature review and referencing, preparing abstracts an asset
    • Data management (excel and preferably database management, N-Vivo an asset) 
    • Official working language is English.
    • Must be mature and independent.
    • Must be flexible and willing to adapt according to the needs of the program and cultural setting with empathy and consideration.
    • For details check the position description linked above

The intern is expected to commit at least 7 hours a day, five days a week (or 35 hours a week) to work with the local partner organization. Interns must also be enrolled in a course during the internship period (online or distance, such as a directed reading course or independent study.)

Communications Intern -HAY! project

  • Must be senior level student entering or enrolled in their 3rd or 4th year of undergraduate studies in Marketing, Communication, or other related programs or be enrolled in a graduate program in a related field at the time of application.
  • Job Summary: Collecting stories, social media management
  • The successful candidate:
    • Experience with graphic design (canva or ppt, illustrator, other), Office, online platforms (vimeo, youtube, wordpress, website development) and blogging.
    • Video editing/photography skills an asset.
    • Abilities to work with short deadlines and flexibility to adapt to unplanned changes are desired
    • The working language is English.
    • Must be mature and independent.
    • Must be flexible and willing to adapt according to the needs of the program and cultural setting with empathy and consideration.
    • For details check the position description linked above

The intern is expected to commit at least 7 hours a day, five days a week (or 35 hours a week) to work with the local partner organization. Interns must also be enrolled in a course during the internship period (online or distance, such as a directed reading course or independent study.)

Digital Storytelling Intern

  • Must be senior level student entering or enrolled in their 3rd or 4th year of undergraduate studies in Communication & Media, Film studies, Visual Studies, Development studies, Anthropology, Sociology or other related programs or be enrolled in a graduate program in a related field at the time of application.
  • Job summary: Digital footage editing, manuscript writing, graphic design
  • The successful candidate:
    • Understanding of research processes (qualitative and/or quantitative), including developing project proposals.
    •  Understanding of knowledge dissemination process—graphic design or past presentation experience an asset.
    • Abilities to work with short deadlines and flexibility to adapt to unplanned changes are desired
    • The working language is English.
    • Must be mature and independent.
    • Must be flexible and willing to adapt according to the needs of the program and cultural setting with empathy and consideration.
    • For details check the position description linked above

The intern is expected to commit at least 7 hours a day, five days a week (or 35 hours a week) to work with the local partner organization. Interns must also be enrolled in a course during the internship period (online or distance, such as a directed reading course or independent study.)

International Relations Communication Intern

  • Must be senior level student entering or enrolled in their 3rd or 4th year of undergraduate studies in International relations, marketing, communications or other related programs or be enrolled in a graduate program in a related field at the time of application.
  • Job summary: Supports opps of MUST IR Office, MOUs, Delegation, International visits, communications support
  • The successful candidate:
    • Online platforms expertise (vimeo, website development, wordpress, youtube)
    • Good working knowledge of MS Office (especially ppt and word)
    • Graphic design experience: canva or ppt, illustrator, other.
    • Video editing/photography skills an asset.
    • Communication: experience writing, blogs, stories or other social media). Ability to write using simple language, especially strong writing skills.
    • Abilities to work with short deadlines and flexibility to adapt to unplanned changes are desired
    • The working language is English.
    • Must be mature and independent.
    • Must be flexible and willing to adapt according to the needs of the program and cultural setting with empathy and consideration.
    • For details check the position description linked above

The intern is expected to commit at least 7 hours a day, five days a week (or 35 hours a week) to work with the local partner organization. Interns must also be enrolled in a course during the internship period (online or distance, such as a directed reading course or independent study.)

Expected Program Outcomes:

The intern is expected to achieve the following by the end of internship

  • Increased knowledge and skills through academic and professional experiences of Canadian young leaders.
  • Enhanced networking between Canadians and fellow citizens of the Commonwealth. 
  • Increased contributions to local and global communities by young leaders in Canada and the Commonwealth.

Internships are a minimum of three months long (90 days). 

Fall internships start in September, Winter Internships in February and Spring internships in May.

  1. Costs

    Students must arrange to get credit for an academic course during the program. Tuition for this course is charged at UCalgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider. 

    Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations etc in your budget planning.

     

  2. Funding

    A maximum of $6,000 to cover travel and living expenses will be provided to the selected interns for the duration of the placement. Tuition fees are not covered by the QES funding.

    The QES Program is managed through a unique partnership of Universities Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) and Canadian universities. This program is made possible with financial support from the Government of Canada, provincial governments, and the private sector. Technical support is provided by Universities Canada.

    Also have a look at the exchange funding page for other possible sources of  funding. QES participants cannot receive the International Study Travel Grant.

Local Partner Organizations will assist with housing arrangements. 

  1. Eligibility requirements

    -       Students must be in their 3rd or 4th year of undergraduate studies or be enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Calgary at the time of application.

    -       Must be a Canadian citizen, through permanent residents will be considered.

    -       Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-)

    -       Must be 35 years of age or under at time of application

    -       Must be proficient in English

    -       As part of the QES program, the Intern must participate in community engagement activities while abroad and upon their return to Canada

    -       This placement must be for academic credit. Interns must register for at least one course. Please discuss your options with academic advisor.

    -       Strong research skills an asset 

    -       Should possess a creative writing style and background in communications.

    -       You are able to spend a minimum of 90-day placement in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya or Ethiopia

    -       Must be mature and independent, flexible and willing to adapt according to the needs of the program and cultural setting with empathy and consideration

    -       Willing to live and work in a rural placement 

    -       Students should familiarize themselves with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals

  2. Application requirements

    Please go to www.ucalgary.ca/UCI/RAISA and log in using your UCalgary username and password. After creating a profile in the online application system, use the Study Programs tab to search for the program you are applying for, and then click "apply". 

    Placement choices:

    Please list your top two placements

    Suitability Letter:

    Please prepare a letter (max 1000 words) indicating your suitability for the proposed internship. Describe why your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for this position, as well as how this opportunity abroad will complement your field of study and advance your career goals.

    References:

    Please provide two letters of reference in support of your application: 1 academic (from an instructor who has taught you) and 1 professional (a current or past employer or possibly a relevant volunteer supervisor). References can be submitted electronically or as hard copies to the Study Abroad Office (MT501) study.abroad@ucalgary.ca In your application please put the names of the people who will be sending in your references.

    Curriculum Vitae:

    Please upload a copy of your brief (max. five page) CV into your application in RAISA


    Selection Process:

    All applications will be reviewed by a Review Committee and a short-list of candidates will be sent to the Host Organizations. Suitable candidates may be invited for Skype interview with the Host Organization as well.

Partner Organizations: 

Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)


Have questions?

Global Learning 101

Please watch this short YouTube playlist before reaching out or booking an appointment. In these videos, you will learn much of the basics about Global Learning, which may answer your initial questions.

Watch Global Learning 101

Academic Advising

Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how this program might align with your degree (e.g. best time to go, what courses you need).

After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/transfer credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.

Find your academic advisor

Global Learning Advising

If you have questions, please reach out to our office! We offer drop-in advising for general inquiries, and if you have questions about this specific program or any others, you can book an appointment with the responsible advisor.

Please use the link below to find the most up-to-date information about our current advising options.

View the Global Learning Advising page

The exchange advisor for this program is: Kathryn Bauer

How to Apply

Download the application guide

This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.

Application guide

Identify three programs of interest

We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.

Check requirements and deadlines

These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.

Start your application

Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!

Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.

APPLY NOW

International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.

For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.

If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.

Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.