To encourage University of Waterloo students to become globally engaged learners, the University offers undergraduate students the opportunity to obtain a Global Experience Certificate (GEC). A student in any term wishing to complete the certificate should visit the GEC website for application instructions.
Required components
- two first-year sequential language courses (other than applicant's native language or a language in which they are fluent).
- one global studies course from the global studies course requirements list. Students who wish to use a global studies course other than those specified may submit a request for approval from the global learning co-ordinator.
- an international experience of a minimum of six consecutive weeks, such as an exchange, study abroad, co-op work term, internship (outside co-op), or volunteer position outside Canada. Some opportunities within Canada may be considered.
- a cross-cultural volunteer experience consisting of a minimum of 20 hours during a single academic term. Students are required to submit a one-page reflection summary upon completion.
Notes
- Language courses and global studies courses can be completed prior to submission of the GEC application. However the international experience and the cross-cultural volunteer experience cannot have been started prior to submission of the GEC application.
- Academic discipline is handled by the associate vice-president international or designate in consultation with the associate dean for the student's home faculty. A discipline decision is appealable under Policy 72 - Student Appeals provided that grounds for appeal can be established.
Visit the GEC page or contact the GEC coordinator (gec@uwaterloo.ca) in the Student Success Office with questions.