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Community-based internships

Connecting students with paid, meaningful, and relationship-driven experiential learning.

About the program

Community-based internships connect students with organizations leading social change across Tiohtià:ke/Montréal. More than placements, these experiences offer students a chance to build relationships, contribute meaningfully and grow through shared learning.

For host organizations, students bring fresh energy, valuable skills and future workforce potential.

This program is made possible thanks to the deep, ongoing relationships that the Office of Community Engagement and SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation have nurtured with our community partners located in and around Tiohtià:ke/Montréal. Our partners include Indigenous and Black community organizations, as well as other organizations committed to social transformation. These partnerships are at the heart of Concordia’s community-based internships.

Why it matters

Learning that transforms everyone

Students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings, developing practical skills, empathy and insight that can’t be taught in a classroom. Host organizations not only gain capacity to work toward their mission but also gain supervisory skills by nurturing the future workforce.

Community at the centre

We prioritize the knowledge and leadership of community organizations. Our program team is here to listen, support and grow together, while supporting community priorities.

Raising a community-minded future workforce

Concordia is committed to supporting students to lead with care, courage and a deep understanding of community-rooted change.

Program timeline

  • August 12, 2026: Student application deadline
  • August 13-26, 2026: Interview period
  • August 26, 2026: Internships confirmed
  • Week of September 8, 2026: Fall internship begins
  • Week of November 27, 2026: Fall internship ends

Real experiences, real impact

Hear from past students and host organizations

A wonderful experience that I would recommend to any of my Indigenous peers who want to get involved with Indigenous organizations in Montreal and expand their knowledge of Indigenous-informed methodologies.

Second-year film animation student

This internship opportunity provided our organization with new ideas and fresh perspectives on our communication activities. We would repeat the experience, as it provides an alternative to accomplish our goals as a non-profit organization.

Montreal Indigenous Community NETWORK

Testimonials from interns on their experience in the SHIFT internship program.

Apply for an internship

Eligibility

The program is open to Concordia students from all faculties who are passionate about community engagement and social justice.

To apply, students must:

  • Be registered in an undergraduate or graduate degree program during the internship period
  • Have a social insurance number
  • Have a Canadian bank account

We especially encourage students from marginalized communities to apply. For the internships with Indigenous and Black community organizations, priority will be given to students who identify with those communities.

If any part of the application process feels like a barrier, please reach out to communityengagement@concordia.ca — we’re happy to support you.

Steps to apply

Selected candidates will be contacted and interviewed by the host organizations.

Time and compensation

Students are awarded funding based on how many hours they commit to weekly. Payment is issued in two instalments per term.

Table comparing the award amounts based on hours worked.
Weekly hours Hours per term Student award
10 hours/week  120 $2,500
15 hours/week 180 $3,750
20 hours/week 240 $5,000

Course credit

You may be eligible to receive course credit for your internship. Please speak with your department directly to arrange this.

Support during the internship

Students are supported throughout the experience with:

  • Opportunities to connect with community professionals, mentors and peers
  • Culturally relevant guidance and collaboration
  • Regular events and workshops with other interns
  • Check-in calls and additional resources from the program team

Host an intern

Eligible community organizations across Tiohtià:ke/Montréal may apply to host Concordia student interns through a program rooted in care, collaboration, and social transformation.

Contact us

Shin Ling Low

Associate Coordinator, Internships and Special Projects

Shin Ling Low is a grateful settler from Malaysia who has been living, working and loving in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal for close to a decade. They are committed to building meaningful, grounded and accessible experiential learning opportunities for Concordia students.

Reach out to Shin Ling

Geneviève Sioui

Coordinator, Indigenous Community Engagement

Geneviève Sioui is a member of the Huron-Wendat Nation and has lived in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal for 20 years. In her role at the Office of Community Engagement, she fosters collaboration with Indigenous community organizations and related initiatives. She creates opportunities for students to make positive contributions to the broader urban Indigenous community.

Reach out to Geneviève

Kristen Young

Coordinator, Black Community Engagement

Kristen Young is a settler from Xaymaca (Jamaica). She has lived and worked in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal for almost a decade. As a third-culture kid with a deep interest in applying the principle of sankofa to the every day, Kristen uses her training as an archivist and her interest in collaboration, mental health, community care, and community education in the many hats she wears both professionally and personally.

Reach out to Kristen

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