Experiential Opportunities

The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is committed to offering innovative, high-impact, and real-world opportunities to all of its students through experience-driven programs. High quality experiential learning (EL) programs deepen undergraduate education, respond to the needs of society, contribute to community-campus relationships, and enhance the reputation of the University.

EL is “learning by doing” and can occur both within or outside of the classroom. Within the classroom, EL can take place in laboratory experiences that involve student-initiated projects and experiments, participation in case studies, role-playing, simulations or debates. Outside of the classroom, EL can take place as a part of co-op and internship placements, projects with community partners, field excursions to external sites, and international travel opportunities.

Research Opportunity Program (ROP)

The Research Opportunity Program (ROP) provides an opportunity for students to participate in the research of a faculty member while earning course credit.

The ROP is an application-based program, where instructors approve student participation. Each 299, 399, and 499 ROP course (either H or Y) will bear the three-letter designator of the academic discipline to which it is associated (e.g., SOC399, ANT399, etc.) Academic department participation in the ROP varies on an annual basis. 

Registered University of Toronto undergraduate students in a degree program are eligible to submit an application and participate in the ROP. However, priority will be given to UTM students. Non-degree students are ineligible to participate in the ROP. Visiting students and exchange students from partner institutions may be eligible to participate with approval from the Experiential Education Unit, Office of the Vice-Principal Academic and Dean. Please send requests for approval to rop.utm@utoronto.ca. 

Note:

• Students are permitted to accept and complete more than one ROP 299/399/499 course, as long as they are not within the same term.
• Students are required to review all ROP course prerequisites and instructor preferences prior to the time of application.
• Students must review all information on the “How to Apply” webpage prior to submitting an application.
• It is highly recommended that students speak with an Academic Advisor in the Office of the Registrar, and with an Undergraduate Advisor, for the program regarding prerequisites, exclusions, or program/degree requirements.

The ROP is facilitated through an online application system. For more information, please visit www.utm.utoronto.ca/experience/rop.

UTM Co-op Internship Program (UTMCIP)

The UTM Co-op Internship Program (UTMCIP), administered by the Experiential Education Unit (EEU), Office of the Vice-Principal Academic and Dean, is a professional work-integrated learning opportunity for University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) students enrolled in specific programs of study. Students enrolled in the UTMCIP stream of their Program of Study complete mandatory Work-Readiness modules, followed by a 12- or 16-month paid, full-time, academically related work experience. The time to degree completion for students enrolled in the UTMCIP is normally 5 years. Students that complete the UTMCIP graduate with an acknowledgement (“UTM Co-op Internship Program”) on their transcript. For more information, please visit: https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/experience/utm-co-op-internship-program

Professional Experience Year (PEY)

U of T's Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op Program is a work-integrated learning program that helps undergraduate students gain 12 to 16 months of paid work experience before they graduate. PEY does not qualify for degree credit. However, upon completion, PEY will appear on a student’s transcript.

Given the launch of the UTM Co-op Internship Program (UTMCIP) beginning in September 2024, UTM students will be unable to apply to participate in the PEY Co-op program, effective March 2024. UTM students who are currently enrolled in PEY Co-op will be able to continue their participation in the PEY Co-op program without any disruption. UTM students currently enrolled in PEY Co-op cannot transfer over to the UTMCIP.

International Opportunities

International Exchanges

Students from all faculties and departments are encouraged to participate in the exchange programs offered at U of T’s partner institutions and co-ordinated through the Centre for International Experience. These exchanges allow students to experience new cultures and languages in an academic setting while earning credits towards their U of T degree.

Exchanges may be for one or more terms, typically up to a full year. International exchanges are available around the world. Funding support is available for many international opportunities.

More information is available at:

Student Exchange Program
Centre for International Experience
33 St. George Street
Toronto, ON M5S 2E3

Tel: 416-978-1800
Email: student.exchange@utoronto.ca
Website: www.utm.utoronto.ca/international/outbound-opportunities

Summer Abroad

Administered through the University of Toronto’s Woodsworth College (Faculty of Arts & Science), the Summer Abroad programs are designed to give students an exciting and educational international experience.

Students complete a University of Toronto undergraduate degree course, equivalent to 1.0 credit, in three to six weeks. Courses are relevant to the host site, and include field trips that complement the lectures, enabling them to observe and experience what they study in the classroom. Most instructors are University of Toronto professors and, with the exception of language courses, all teaching is done in English.

Typically, Summer Abroad courses are at the second- and third-year level, and are offered in disciplines such as environmental studies, history, political science, literature, art, management, architecture, criminology, archeology and languages. Hands-on research experience in international laboratories is offered through the science Abroad program. Most courses have no prerequisites, and all University of Toronto students in good standing are eligible to apply. The courses and grades show on students’ transcripts as regular University of Toronto credits and are calculated into their cumulative GPA.

For further information contact:

The Professional & International Programs Office
Woodsworth College, University of Toronto
119 St. George Street, 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON
M5S 1A9

Tel: 416-978-8713
summer.abroad@utoronto.ca
www.summerabroad.utoronto.ca