Learning is more than just listening and writing – it's about doing.
You want to experiment, to challenge, and to share. That's why there are many types of experiential learning (or hands-on learning) opportunities to explore at Mount Allison.
Experiences are only limited to your (and your professor's) imagination, and include:
Research
At Mount Allison you will get the chance to take part in innovative research projects as early as second year, a rarity at the undergraduate level. You will also have ample opportunities to work with world-class professors on research, including employment as summer research assistants. Many students also co-publish articles with professors before they graduate. Examples:
- Honours environmental science student takes to the seas for summer research
- Math and computer science student collaborates on oil spill research project
- International relations and economics student looks at trade between Japan and China
Internships
Mount Allison offers exceptional opportunities to join businesses and organizations locally and internationally for internships that will allow you to gain hands-on experiences while allowing you the chance to explore your interests and test your abilities. Examples:
- Mansbridge Internship takes student to Nepal to support and advance the lives of women
- Second-year student Laylia Bennett, Mount Allison's first Indigenous Affairs Intern
- Mount Allison names 2017 L.R. Wilson Interns in Public Service and Public Policy
For a list of all available internships, visit our internships page.
Student conferences
Learn from others and share your own work at student conferences, and even win an award or two. Examples:
- Science students present research at international conference in Hawaii
- Mount Allison physics student takes home first place at national conference
Academic and case competitions
You can put your knowledge to work on real-world issues in case competitions. Our Commerce teams have performed extraordinarily well in competitions such as a stock market simulation competition or on-campus competitions hosted by Maple Leaf Foods and J.D. Irving Ltd. Examples:
- Mount Allison computer science students headed to programming competition World Finals
- Mount Allison students win big at Enactus Regional Exposition
Field work and travel
You and your classmates can take trips to businesses, labs, aid organizations, and even mountaintops around the world and come face-to-face with today's realities. You will gain a wide perspective and even create valuable professional networks for the future. Examples:
- Anthropology student develops cultural experiences trail in Fort Folly, L'nu First Nation
- Honours biology student presents research in Prague
- Environmental science, biology and geography student studying effects of insecticide on NB lakes
Recitals, performances, and art exhibits
Between the Music department (hosting more than 80 student, faculty, and guest concerts each year) and the Drama program (performing in our new state-of-the-art Motyer-Fancy Theatre), students are given ample opportunity to perform on a regular basis. The Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts and other student-run exhibition spaces also give students the opportunity to exhibit a wide range of artwork. Examples:
- Student artwork featured in LandMarks2017 Exhibition in Fundy National Park
- Mount Allison student, faculty, and alumni selected for opera program in Italy
- Fine Arts student invited to participate in Winnipeg's prestigious Nuit Blanche
Special topics or independent study
In
your upper years, it is possible, in consultation with your department
and with a faculty supervisor, to create your own special topic or
independent study course that complements your degree and matches your
specific goals. Examples:
- International relations student studies Indigenous language education in Canada
- Biology student creates own course in Mount Allison machine shop designing research equipment
- English and biology student looks at the interaction between science and poetry
Community partnerships and volunteering
Mount Allison's close-knit and engaging community extends across campus and beyond. For a small town, there are big opportunities to immerse yourself. Examples:
- Watching Wildlife — MtA student group assists local wildlife rehabilitation centre
- Sociology students assist local community groups
- Big Buddy Program grown with University-Town collaboration
Peer tutoring and teaching assistantships
Many students take advantage of opportunities to work during the academic year as teaching or research assistants, acquiring valuable skills. Examples:
- 5 questions with teaching assistant for women's and gender studies student Martha Kerr
- Mount Allison grad recognized by the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services