Who funds these internships?
The Québec Sans Frontières internships are funded by the Ministère des relations internationales du Gouvernement du Québec.
Are these internships remunerated?
No.
Alternatives engages to pay the following expenses:
– return ticket for the overseas placement
– overseas accommodation
– medical insurance
– visas if necessary
All interns are responsible for paying the following expenses:
– vaccines
– medical exams
Why is fund raising a compulsory part of the internship?
The internships are funded by the Ministère des relations internationales du Québec but the government requires a significant contribution from Alternatives and the overseas host organizations. Therefore, we ask that all interns also contribute to the general cost of the program by participating in a fund raiser. This effort will allow interns to develop new abilities and promote work that they will undertake overseas.
For the QSF programs, Alternatives ask that each intern raise 1500$.
Will I live with a host family?
This depends on the host country. In some cases, interns will be housed with a host family. In other countries, interns are housed in apartments or guest homes.
Who are your overseas partners?
Our overseas partners are organizations that work to promote economic, social and political rights of people and communities affected by poverty, discrimination, exploitation and violence.
About the pre-departure trainings
Québec Sans Frontières pre-departure trainings take place at our offices in Montreal. The pre-departure training is undertaken on a part-time basis, usually every other weekend, as well as certain evenings when necessary.
Trainings are undertaken in French, candidates therefore need to have a good enough grasp of the language to follow the trainings.
Engaging in a QSF internship program at Alternatives requires a significant investment in time during the period of pre-departure training. In addition to the training sessions (at least 190h of training depending on the orientation of internship) , interns must carry out fundraising activities.
The pre-departure training includes different themes that prepare interns to do their mandate overseas:
– Development and international solidarity issues
– Cross-cultural context
– Group life and teamwork organizing
– Health and safety overseas
– Knowledge of the country and host community
– Language classes (for interns who are traveling to Latin America)
– Technical training specific to the theme of the internship (communication, ICT, environment, urban agriculture)
Participants from outside of Montreal can have their travel expenses reimbursed for all travel related to trainings, budget permitting. Pre-departure trainings are obligatory for everyone.
