In cooperation with the Co-op Program of the University of Toronto, Scarborough, FIT has provided opportunities for students to gain practical work experience in the field of international development by offering three- to eight-month work study placements in our Canadian office. Through these placements, students from the Arts and Science faculty and the International Development Studies program gain insight into the management and administration of development projects. Interns have participated in research activities to support projects such as a policy study on the relationship between poverty and disability issues, the changing environment for development activities in Africa, awareness among Canadians of our work, developing multi-media learning materials and planning and managing training events.
In 2002, FIT honoured its founding executive director by establishing with the University of Toronto the Ranjit Kumar Graduate Fellowship. This fellowship is awarded annually to allow graduate students to undertake research and field work related to international development issues. Research projects carried out by fellowship recipients have included: a study of micro-finance institutions in Vietnam and their impacts on the poor; analysis of West Papuan culture and modern concepts of conflict resolution and reconciliation; the formation of the African Union and analysis of interstate cooperation; and environmental rights and environmental refugees.
FIT is always looking for young development professionals as interns or volunteers. Selected young professionals gain valuable experience by working either at the FIT office in Markham or in different project offices in developing countries. If you are interested please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us.