SLAPE internship program

SLAPE internship program is a program of West Africa Volunteers Development Initiative (WAVDI)
Limited Practical Experience: One of the foremost challenges interns encounter is the gap between classroom knowledge and on-the-job requirements. Many interns lack practical experience, which can hinder their productivity and confidence. Holistic preparation represents self-awareness and personal discovery, experiential learning, leadership development and an understanding of the value of social capital.

Service Learning and Professional Engagement (SLAPE)
Program offers unique Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for students can apply what they’re learning in the real world as they study or after study. This means you can work on a project with a business while you earn academic course credits or non-academic credits. Learn more about SLAPE internship programme at: www.wavdi.org/slape
The SLAPE Program offers unique Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities which allow students to apply what they are learning during their degree to the real world. By applying for SLAPE program, students work on a project with a local, national or international organizations or business firms/companies while also earning academic course credits or non-academy credits.
A SLAPE Internship is assist students integration of classroom knowledge and theory with practical application and will help them not only develop workplace skills, but also confidence in the applicability of their existing skills and attributes. Our mission is to support college into career transitions by holistically preparing students/volunteers for meaningful professional lives while providing them the opportunity to reflect upon their career development objectives.
Benefits of the SLAPE Internship Programme
- Helps in selecting the desired career.
- Improves employability
- Understanding business or industry
- Put degree work into practice
- Developing Professional Network.
- Learn the professional conduct.
- College/University Credit.
- Work Ethos
- Develops industry and business knowledge
- Develops personal and professional skills

What Makes Us Different?
Responsibilities of SLAPE program
- We will maintain the confidentiality of information obtained from, or provided to about the student.
- Provide a full and accurate presentation of all information pertaining to work responsibilities and recruiting process.
- Provide a learning environment that contributes to the student personal and professional growth.
- Provide a safe work environment that is free of harassment and discrimination. Provide qualified supervisor/mentor who will monitor and guide student.
- Make available equipment, supplies, and space necessary for the student to perform his/her duties.
- Notify the University of any change to student’s status and/or performance.
- Offer on-going feedback to the student and complete a performance evaluation (provided by The Career Center at the end of each internship).
- Maintain communication with university.
Our criteria for Intern Position Descriptions
To ensure the quality of the experience and that the desired outcomes are achieved for the student, host organization and University/College, all internship positions will be screened based on the following:
- The mission of SLAPE program and internship experience must be in alignment with the University’s mission.
- The internship position is one that will allow students to increase their confidence level and develop professional skills.
- SLAPE program will provide a written position description to students or Career Center, including the name of the individual who will serve as the student’s/intern direct supervisor.
- SLAPE program will provide orientation/training for students.
- SLAPE program will provide progressive responsibilities over time, if an intern remains with the organization for an extended period (in excess of the approved internship duration).
Who can apply for SLAPE

Students from all disciplines can complete a SLAPE Internship, often as one of the elective courses for your degree or additional course. It is dependent on being able to fit it into your degree plan and your schedule. We recommend you speak with your Faculty Student Advisor to make sure SLAPE fits in with your study goals.
While internships are not guaranteed, the SLAPE team works closely with students to understand their goals and motivations to find the best internship opportunity.
Students who have completed an internship have come from diverse degree backgrounds, including (but not limited to):
- Media and Communications
- Computer Science
- Education
- Geography
- Sociology
- Art History
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Languages
- History
- Fine Arts
- Criminal Justice
- Human Services
- Philosophy
- Classics
- Education
- Finance
- Data science
- Governances
- NGO Management
Types of internships available
The following are examples of different types of internship roles and diverse degree backgrounds students have had including (but not limited to):
- Media and Communications
- Computer Science
- Education
- Geography
- Sociology
- Art History
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Languages
- History
- Fine Arts
- Criminal Justice
- Human Services
- Philosophy
- Classics
- Education
- Finance
- Data science
- Gender Studies
- International Development
- Governances
- Sustainable Development
- NGO Management
- Conversation & Environmental impact projects
- Research and report writing
- Marketing strategies
- Agriculture
- Information Technology (Website Designer, Graphic Designer, computer Engineer, programing)
- Data analysis
- Policy analysis and writing
- Social media platform creation
- Project management
- Waste Management
- Architecture, Engineering and Planning
- International Relations
- Nursing
- Creative Arts administration
- Sanitation
- Journalism
- Event management
- Content creation eg websites, social media
- Coding
- Community engagement initiatives
- Urban planning
- GIS mapping
- Creative writing
- Medical/Health
- Women’s Empowerment
- Microfinance
- Human Rights
- Fundraising
- Film Industry
- Construction
- Teaching
- Entrepreneurship
The SLAPE Internship Program is open all year round for applicants.
Finding It Difficult And Need Extra Support?
If you need help finding the right volunteer or internship opportunity, we can assist you. Click the button below to contact our SLAPE team with any questions. If you already know what you want to bring to the program, click the “Apply” button to get started.