In 1966, the Université de Sherbrooke was the first institution in Quebec to introduce the co-op system, with thousands of internships carried out annually, the majority of which are in Canada. Despite the existence of programs that enable outgoing mobility, the strong presence of co-op programs typical of UdeS, combined with the presence of programs subject to external accreditation, hinders mobility. At the same time, the UdeS is initiating a project aimed at integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into training. Combined, (limited mobility and integration of the SDGs into training), this creates levers conducive to innovation, making it possible to target obstacles with new mobility opportunities based on experiences linked to the SDGs, creating meaning and value for all players.
Ultimately, the project enables training programs to be adjusted to promote physical and virtual student mobility in projects linked to the SDGs, at the same time democratizing access to mobility for under-represented students, i.e. low-income, disabled and aboriginal students.