Internships
Program Description
The High Commission of Canada’s Internship Program provides students with an opportunity to be involved in governmental affairs and to develop an understanding of the Canada-Trinidad and Tobago bilateral relationship. We match internship applicants with positions that correspond to their education and interests. We accept interns in the following areas:
- Political (Foreign & Defence Policy)
- Public Affairs (Media Relations, Academic Relations, Culture and Outreach)
- Trade & Science & Technology
- Energy & Environment
All interns are retained on a non-remunerative basis and usually work 4.5 days per week. Students are encouraged to explore whether they can receive academic credit for their service at the High Commission.
Eligibility
The program is open to Canadian students at colleges and universities in Canada and and Trinidad and Tobago students at universities in Trinidad and Tobago. Recent graduates are also eligible to apply.
Selected interns must complete a reliability screening before serving at the High Commission.
Internship Sessions
Length of internships will depend on Program needs and manager’s requirements.
Application Requirements and Procedure
To be considered for an internship, applicants must email or fax their complete application form which requires the following documents:
1. Resume/CV
(.pdf or .doc format only)
2. Letter of Interest
The letter of interest (1-2 pages) should state your goals and interests and why you are interested in serving as an intern at the High Commission of Canada in Trinidad and Tobago.
(.pdf or .doc format only)
3. Academic Transcript
An unofficial transcript is acceptable.
(.pdf or .jpg format only)
4. Two Letters of Recommendation
two letters should be submitted by email or fax.
(.pdf or .doc format only)
Application Deadlines
Applications will be received twice throughout the year.
The summer deadline is April 30th
The fall deadline is August 31st.
Resumes will be assessed when a need has been identified at the High Commission.
Only complete applications will be considered.
Applicants selected for phone interviews will be contacted by the Program Manager.
Please submit applications and/or questions to pspanpa@international.gc.ca
Fax : 868-628-1830
Terms and Conditions
Interns are required to:
- Work under the direction of their immediate supervisor unless otherwise directed (a job description of duties will be provided on arrival);
- Complete all assignments and produce quality work;
- Be presentable and exhibit a professional attitude at all times;
- Perform general office duties such as drafting routine correspondence for officer’s signature, filing, photocopying and answering phones (these tasks
- occupy a small amount of time in comparison to other responsibilities);
- Research, develop and write material for use within the division and assist with briefings and other public events.
Other Things to Consider
- Housing — The average cost for a room in Port of Spain, T&T is approximately CAD $700/month.
- Medical Insurance — The High Commission of Canada does not provide any type of insurance to students participating in our Program. We suggest that you arrange for medical insurance through your school or parents, or that you purchase an individual (provincial) plan for the duration of your stay.
- Expenses — Surveys from other Canadian missions suggest that past interns have spent approximately at least $100 per week on food, transportation, entertainment, laundry, and other incidentals.
Section Descriptions
We match internship applicants with positions that correspond to their education and interests. On your Application Form, you may indicate in which section (office) of the High Commission of Canada you would like to serve as an intern.
1) Political (Foreign & Defence Policy)
The Political Section interns work with staff to monitor and report on trends in Trinidad and Tobago foreign and defence policy as they relate to Canada and Canadian interests.
The work of the section focuses on a broad range of bilateral and international issues such as country or regionally-specific situations ie: hemispheric engagement, international and regional organizations such as CARICOM, the United Nations or the Organization of American States, international political and security trends and issues, regional cooperation and the general Canada–Trinidad and Tobago defence relationship.
The intern will be expected to research a broad range of information sources, attend and report in a timely matter on academic events, conferences and seminars as well as legislative developments. The intern will also support Canadian delegations visiting Trinidad and Tobago by helping staff plan and run events sponsored by the section or the High Commission. While not a prerequisite, general knowledge of Canadian and/or Trinidad and Tobago foreign and/or defence policy issues would be an asset.
2) Public Affairs (Media Relations, Academic Relations, Culture and Outreach)
Media relations interns can expect to be part of a dynamic team that wants to increase Canadian Profile in Trinidad and Tobago. The intern will work on a variety of projects as well as any self-directed projects developed in consultation with the Public Affairs Manager and other media officers. Areas of responsibility will include liaising with national press, assisting in press conferences and other media opportunities, attending events and conferences of interest to the High Commission, media analysis and being part of the team producing the daily CARICOM news.
The intern can also expect to assist in the development of pitches to news organizations, as well as assist in the planning and execution of public relations initiatives. The intern also assists our efforts to promote Canadian universities and colleges as a destination for Trinidad and Tobago students, in particular through the yearly fair. Strategic outreach and cultural promotion is an integral part of the High Commission’s work to reach and engage the Trinbagonian audience. The intern plays an active role in the organization and implementation of the High Commission’s cultural and outreach events, which provide the backdrop for advocacy initiatives. Among other duties, he/she is responsible for preparing background briefing material, guest lists, speaking notes, and event publications. As a valuable member of the Public Affairs team, the intern will also be responsible for maintaining and updating the Upcoming Events calendar on our Wiki page. Strong research, organizational and writing skills are required.
3) Trade & Economics
This intern will support the work of the Trade Commissioner Service section on a number of files including, but not limited to, the following:
- Monitoring Trinidad and Tobago’s trends in trade and investment;
- Monitoring Trinidad and Tobago’s trade agenda, including the Canada-CARICOM free trade negotiations
- Intellectual property (copyright and patent law issues);
- market access and disputes;
- Regulatory cooperation;
- Climate change and energy issues as they relate to trade.
The intern will conduct research using online sources and databases. The intern will produce summaries and analyses of the previously listed issues in clear and concise reports, memos, and briefing notes. Due to the large number of files that the sections deals with, organization skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize one’s work are highly important. The intern should also be adaptable and willing to become familiar with new files and issues as they arise. Although not necessary, familiarity with trade, economics, and Canadian trade agreements is an asset.
Other issues to be covered are health, energy, climate change as they pertain to important bilateral issues. The intern may also assist during Canadian trade missions organised by the High Commission.
4) Energy & Environment
The intern works with trade staff on issues related to climate change, energy (both renewable and non-renewable), water, air, etc. Responsibilities of the position include writing reports, researching, and monitoring media. Furthermore, the intern will assist staff in planning and running events sponsored by the High Commission and with visits by high-level government officials.
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