Program Overview
Applications are currently being reviewed in the order received. The program will close when full, OR at 11:59 pm on March 30th, 2018, whichever comes first.
Eligibility Criteria
Students should be in their 3rd year by summer 2018.
Students registered in APSC 462 must complete ASPC 461 prior to their International Service Learning placement.
In addition to Applied Science students, there are a number of seats in APSC 461/462 reserved for ARTS students interested in further exploring the intersections of technology, design and society in the context of Engineering Leadership. APSC 462 is an Impact of Technology on Society elective in all Engineering disciplines.
Program Description
Complex international engineering projects typically require interdisciplinary approaches and individuals working together through the support of strong, ethical leaders. APSC 462: Global Engineering Leadership Practicum (3 credits), together with its prerequisite course APSC 461, Global Engineering Leadership (3 credits) are designed to introduce upper-year students from a wide range of disciplines to concepts, theories, and practices of engineering leadership in international settings, exploring how technical problems and solutions fit in broader perspectives. Appropriate implementation requires adapting to the social, cultural, economic, and political contexts and understanding the values expressed within them. By exploring themes around leadership styles, ethical community engagement, participatory planning development, and understanding differences APSC 461/2 seeks to better prepare students for real-life situations where they may encounter conflict, cultural differences, ethical dilemmas and opposing values.
Click here to view an example syllabus
Course Description
APSC 461 (coursework) is a technical elective in most Engineering disciplines.
- Mechanical Engineering: General “A” list Technical Elective (credit not given to Camosun Bridge transfer students)
- Engineering Physics
- Integrated Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Civil Engineering: Please consult with your advisor
- Others: Please consult with your advisor
- A number of seats are also held for Arts students who wish to explore the intersections of technology, design and society.
APSC 462 (practicum) is an Impact of Technology on Society elective in all Engineering disciplines.
Placement Description
For the summer of 2018, there are three International Service Learning placement sites. Each site offers its own unique range of projects to meet a wide range of student interest.
Mexico
Tsomanotik‘s [http://manotik.org/] Communities in rural parts of Chiapas state are facing rising energy costs for fuel and electricity which have increased as much as 38% over the past two years. Tsomanotik is an eco-agricultural organization working in Chiapas and is committed to promoting sustainability and solidarity in community settings. Tsomanotik, along with key organizational partners, are seeking to explore the possibility of developing alternative energy sources from renewable resources. Interns will contribute to a feasibility study and creation of a white paper on this issue by considering the development and implementation of alternative energy sources. Focus areas would include technical and community-based factors such as design processes, technical factors, and potential community-based outcomes of pursuing such technology.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has over 160 parks and wildlife refuges as habitats for many endangered species. There has been further expansion in recent years as these protected conservation areas are critically important for species preservation. The Matapalo community is in a coastal marine area near the town of Quepos on the Pacific Coast. Matapalo Sea Turtles Conservation community-based organization working with various government and university stakeholders to promote species protection and improve crop diversification in the area. A current priority is developing low resource technologies and infrastructure on site to support long-term activities. A previous APSC 462 projects was the design and implementation of a grey water system and special sanitation facilities to reduce the environmental impacts of the small, on-site conservation community. This site includes modest hostel-style accommodations for students.
India
Students placed in India will be working on an interdisciplinary team with at least one economics student. With growing populations and increased energy demands, SELCO foundation the community partner aims to dispel myths about the relationship between poverty, people, and technology. As a team you will participate in a design challenge looking at specific energy access challenges for those living in poverty. An example of the type of project would be studying feasibility and implementation of solar power for small-scale vendors in an informal settlement.
Living Environment
In Mexico and Costa Rica you will live in hostel-style accommodations with modest living conditions on the placement site. Accommodation in India will be with a host family.
Program Dates
In addition to its academic requirements, APSC 462 students must also particpate in a number of activities to ensure their preparedness for their International Service Learning Placement. These activities begin in March.
Program Dates
| Date | Activity |
| March 2018 | Program application is open and will close when full. Applications will be considered in the order they are received. |
| Apr 2018 | Orientation and pre-departure learning sessions (all successful applicants will be expected to be in attendance at all sessions) |
| May – June 2018 | APSC 461 course |
| July – August 2018 | APSC 462, 8 week international placement including a facilitated workshop approximately mid-way through (exact dates TBA) |
| September 2018 | APSC 462 Post Placement seminar and assignments due |
| Sept – Oct 2018 | ISL Post-placement reflection sessions and International Development Symposium. |
**Please note these dates may be adjusted but will be confirmed prior to offer.
Program Cost
Costs per student include the pre-departure learning program, initial pick-up upon arrival at airport, room and board during the placement and additional costs associated with the post-placement activities. Costs vary slightly by program due to the cost of living expenses of the country or region.
| Location | Program Fee |
|---|---|
| Costa Rica | $4,600 – $4,800 |
| Mexico | $4,600 – $4,800 |
| India | $3,900 – $4,400 |
Fees are subject to adjustment prior to offering the placement to the student.
| Note: Additional expenses not covered in program costs are the responsibility of the student. Costs not included are airfare, visas, vaccinations, tuition, local transportation while in country, transportation from the site back to the airport at the end of the placement, personal items, and daily incidentals. |
Awards & Funding
Award Eligibility
All accepted students will be automatically assessed based on eligibility criteria below for a $1,000 award. Decisions of who will be awarded funding will be made after selection for the program has been completed. Limited numbers of awards are available. No separate application is necessary.
To meet the minimum requirements for award funding, you must:
- Be based at the Vancouver campus
- Have a minimum of 70% in the top 24 credits of the previous academic year (2016-2017)
- Be enrolled in 24 credits in the Winter Session (2017-2018). Exceptions will be made for students enrolled in less than 24 credits but with sufficient credits to satisfy graduation requirements if this is your final year.
Priority will be given to students that have 75% in the top 27 credits of the previous academic year.