Program Facts
Who is eligible to apply for the Intercordia Canada program?
Students between the ages of 18 and 30, enrolled in universities which are currently partnered with Intercordia Canada are eligible to submit an application to the program. Upon selection into the program, all applicants must pass a medical examination and be willing to commit to fund-raising a portion of the program costs before finally being admitted into the program.
What elements make up the Intercordia program?
- All students who are accepted into the Intercordia Canada program are required to take an academic course specifically designated by our University Partners. Each participating University has it’s own unique academic program linked to Intercordia.
- Additionally, students are required to attend four full Seminar days on the university campus over the course of the fall and winter terms animated by Intercordia staff. These days are designed to introduce the students to the vision and pedagogy of Intercordia, help them to reflect personally on their academic learning and to prepare them for the challenge of living in a foreign country.
- On completion of the course and seminar program, each student engages in a 3 month overseas placement during the summer. Students will spend three months living and working in an area of the world radically different from their present situation. The work placement is primarily about creating opportunities for relationships with people who are culturally, materially, or intellectually different than the student, and quite often living in vulnerable circumstances. All participants will have a host family arranged for them in their host country by our International Partners.
- On return to Canada from their placement, each student is expected to attend a 2 day reintegration seminar to complete the program. All students will earn academic credit granted by their participating University.
What qualities will Intercordia Canada be looking for in their applicants?
Our experience tells us that the main qualities that lend themselves to a positive cross-cultural encounter include: openness to difference, desire to recognize the gifts of marginalized people, skills in problem-solving, adaptability, initiative, mature interpersonal skills and an aptitude for team work.
What is the application process?
Interested students are required to submit the online application form. Applicants will be invited to an interview with Intercordia staff and a member of the university faculty. You will be contacted directly by the Intercordia Campus Representative about the status of your acceptance into the program.
What is the cost of participating in the Intercordia Canada Program?
- All students are required to make a personal contribution of $1,300 towards the cost of the progam.
- To cover another portion of the total cost of their program, each student is required to personally fund raise an additional $2,500.
- In addition to the funds personally submitted and fundraised by the students, each participating University Partner has committed to making a generous grant on behalf of each student who is admitted to the program to cover the remaining costs of the program.
How does Intercordia select it’s international placements?
Intercordia Canada works in partnership with schools, non-governmental and community-based organizations. We seek placements that encourage cross-cultural understanding and can provide the organizational and logistical expertise to safely support students during their three-month immersion experience. For more information on our placements please visit the International Partners page on the Intercordia Canada website.
What kind of support can students expect overseas during their placement?
Intercordia Canada is committed to providing a mentor in each of the placement countries who understands the goals of Intercordia and the local culture. The mentor along with International Partner staff, the host family and work placement staff are there to problem solve with students if they face obstacles during their immersion experience. Students are also encouraged to contact Intercordia staff in Canada when facing challenges. There will be an Intercordia staff member available 24 hours a day to take phone calls from students needing support while overseas.
Intercordia also arranges medical insurance for students while overseas. In the event of an emergency, Intercordia will make arrangements to fly the student home.
Will the host family be paid for hosting a student?
Participating host families will be reimbursed for the financial costs of the student’s room and board. More importantly, the host family will benefit from the gift of a student’s time and presence. Students are expected to bring their own spending money.
