The Mansbridge Internship

The Mansbridge Internship was established by Peter Mansbridge, Mount Allison's former University Chancellor, honorary degree holder, and retired CBC News chief correspondent. The internship is meant to provide Mount Allison students with a unique leadership opportunity, which fosters the attitudes, abilities, and skills essential to actively participate in an increasingly globalized and interconnected society.

Choosing a Partner Organization 
When applying for the Mansbridge internship, students must have already sought out a potential position within an organization or institute and have received preliminary support from them at the time of application. This process can take time and require significant  planning, so it is important to start early and do plenty of research.  This position can be as a volunteer, intern, or research assistant. When choosing a partner organization, it is important that the organization has a vision, mission, goals and values that promote equality and encourage participation by individuals of any race, ethnicity, nation or origin, first language, socio-economic status, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, and/or ability. Partner organizations/institutes should: 

• facilitate opportunities for the intern to engage actively with the local community
• provide formal/informal support and mentorship for the student
• provide a safe workplace free of harassment and discrimination
• provide an orientation and arrival information
• ensure that intercultural interactions are an enriching experience for the intern
• provide opportunity for students to enrich their leadership capabilities

Once the internship finishes, the adjudication committee requires a summary report of the intern’s experience and a financial report. The student must also complete a debrief survey, and give a public lecture to share the results of their experience. Reports and survey must be submitted within one month of the internship being concluded. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of the internship and return of funds provided. The lecture must be delivered during International Education Month (October). 

Past Recipients 
Previous recipients of the Mansbridge internship have used the funding to pursue a variety of opportunities from volunteering with international non-profits, to conducting research with organizations abroad at world-renowned facilities.