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Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning
Discover the Power of Experiential Learning
At Western University, your education goes beyond the classroom — engage in hands-on experiences that prepare you to make a real impact in the world. By learning through experience, our students have accomplished extraordinary things.
646+
students placed
150+
employer partners
73,675+
work hours completed
Experiential learning gives you a chance to turn theory to practice, work with professionals in your field of interest, and build the skills that employers, graduate schools, and postgraduate committees are looking for. Western will help you turn your classroom knowledge into meaningful experience.
Explore Experiential Learning Opportunities
The Faculty of Health Sciences offers various types of opportunities for third- and fourth-year students.
Practicum and Experiential Learning Placements
- Unpaid, part-time (6-8 hours per week).
- Taken with other coursework.
- Fall (September-December), Winter (January-April), or Full Year (September-April).
- Domestic and international (remote) placements available.
Internships
- Open to students beginning in the Summer term between second and third year.
- 4, 8, 12, 16-month opportunities.
- Full-time, paid.
- Opportunities offered on Western’s internal job board (Western Connect) or students can find their own placement and contact us to see if it is eligible.
Research
- Research Project: an independent research project involving the proposal, collection and analysis of data, presentation of results, and a final written report.
- Independent Study: work with a faculty member on a project of mutual interest and earn academic credit.
- Undergraduate Summer Research Internships (USRI): engaged research experiences under the mentorship of a faculty member.
International Opportunities
- Apply your knowledge in real-world contexts, develop cross-cultural competencies, and gain a deeper understanding of global issues.
- Various opportunities exist for third and fourth-year students.
- Full-time and part-time, paid and unpaid.
- Interested in international experiential learning opportunities or exchange? Visit Western International Learning.
Community Engaged Learning (CEL)
- Partner with groups, individuals, and organizations in the London region and abroad to tackle important problems and issues.
- Full-time and part-time, unpaid.
Entrepreneurship
- Explore a business idea, launch a startup, and access resources for your journey.
- Learn more about the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship.
Interested in our opportunities? Learn more about experiential learning in:
Kinesiology grad breaks gender barrier with CFL internship
Jordyn Hunter credits practicums, athletics at Western for landing coveted professional sports opportunity
Kinesiology student Jordyn Hunter, who did an internship with the Edmonton Elks, advances her knowledge of strength and conditioning in practical settings, working directly with players recovering from ACL tears, helping athletes on concussion protocol, and attending medical consultations and learning return-to-play strategies. Experiential learning opportunities offered by FHS helped her confirm her career goals and gain invaluable experience.
Students create inclusive fitness program for local community
Experiential learning placement at London, Ont. YMCA leads to community engagement, real-world experience for fourth-year students
Four SHS students, who are taking part in a placement at the YMCA, have helped develop a culturally inclusive fitness program for women, which has now been partnered with the City of London. The students spoke of their excellent experience with the experiential learning program and with gaining real world experience and connection with the community.