Increasing Access, Equity and Diversity in Virtual International Work-Integrated Learning Placement Opportunities

With Absolute Internship, George Brown College (GBC), successfully piloted an online placement project with host companies in France, Spain, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom from January 1, 2021 until March 31, 2021. This pilot gave priority to 11 students traditionally underrepresented in education abroad programs (low-income, students with disabilities, Black, Indigenous or People of Colour – BIPOC). Through detailed program outlines, supports and trainings (before-, during-, and after-placement) these students completed an online international WIL placement and provided invaluable feedback to the college to address issues of diversity and inclusion in future outbound education abroad programs at GBC.