The Stage/Internship Programs
The School of Human Nutrition offers students a wide range of opportunities for hands-on internship experiences.
Professional stages (internships) are an integral part of the Dietetics Major, and prepare students to become licensed dietitians/nutritionists. Senior interns have the possibility to be placed in Indigenous communities, Northern Québec or Internationally.
Students enrolled in the Nutrition Major have the opportunity to gain field experience by participating in International field courses or individualized internships opportunities through the Alton and Dianne McEwen and Family Internship Program.
Students enrolled in the Concurrent Major (BSc FoodSc/BSc NutrSc) are able to enroll in an Industrial Stage course.
Click on one of the tabs to learn more about each stage/internship opportunity.
Dietetics Stages
At McGill, the 40 week Dietetic internship is integrated into each year of the curriculum as 4 levels of professional practice - Level I, Level II, Level III, and Level IV. Students are able to gain knowledge and skills through on campus courses and then put these into practice in a real world setting. Throughout the program, students will gain practical experience in Normal and Clinical Nutrition, Community Nutrition, and Foodservice Systems Management. The Stage component of the Dietetics Program is organized and monitored by a team of Clinical Coordinators, who ensure that students meet accreditation standards. In addition to structuring the program to meet these required competencies for entry-level practice, efforts are made to address students’ particular interests and this includes opportunities for International Stage placements.
Northern Québec and Indigenous Stages
Dietetics stagiaires may be placed with dietitians and foodservice managers “up north” in community/clinical nutrition rotations and/or foodservice rotations.
Other community and clinical nutrition opportunities are developing with several Indigenous communities. Some sites have included Iqaluit Public Health in Nunavut, the Kawawachikamach and Matimekush Lac John Dispensaire Matimekush-Lac John, QC. Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, Chisasibi, QC.
Opportunities for stages in Khanawake are also available.
International Stages
Barbados
The School has expanded its international field placement sites in several Caribbean Communities (CARICOM). Barbados has been receiving senior students for undergraduate and graduate dietetics internships. These have included in the past the Barbados Children’s Health and Nutrition Study, the Diabetes Association of Barbados, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the National Nutrition Office.
Ghana
McGill students have participated in 4 week international community nutrition rotations with students from the University of Ghana and Iowa State University. This takes place at the Nutrition Centre in Asesewa, a community close to Accra, and is a component of the CIDA project “Building capacity for sustainable livelihoods and health through public-private linkages in agriculture and health systems” (McGill team leader: Dr. G. Marquis). Prior to departure, students complete approximately 40 hours of learning modules and webinars, administered by Iowa State University, in order to prepare for the rotation.
Field Courses
There are several field studies programs in the Faculty which can be incorporated into the Global Nutrition concentration. This requires prior planning, some cost to you, and consultation with your advisor who will help you interface with the Committee on Academic Standing if necessary.
Field Studies programs include:
The Africa Field Studies Semester offers students an opportunity to study in East Africa for a semester starting every January.
The Barbados Interdisciplinary Tropical Studies (BITS) 15-credits of intensive course and project work during the summer (May - August)
The Barbados Field Study Semester is a program where students earn 15 credits through field courses while living at McGill's Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados.
The Panama Field Study Semester is a joint venture between McGill University and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama. It is a 15-credit program offered in the Winter term (January to April)
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security in Cuba is an intensive 3-credit course to allow students to gain experience in agro-ecological technologies and examine issues related to food security and sustainable agriculture using the Cuban model
Alton and Dianne McEwen and Family Internship Program
The Alton and Dianne McEwen and Family Internship Program was established to allow all undergraduate students the opportunity to complete a short term internship, prior to graduation. Additionally, they will receive recognition of this internship from McGill on their academic transcripts. Evaluation for the program is based on the completion of certain non-academic reports and students will receive a pass or fail noted on their transcripts. The program is offered in the fall, winter and summer semesters and interns are required to complete a minimum of 10 weeks with their host organization. Nutrition Major students interested in short term internships should consult with their program supervisors.
Industrial Stages
NUTR 480 Industrial Stage/Nutrition
Students in the BSc Nutritional Sciences - Concurrent Major develop their skills in foods and nutrition in a professional working environment. Students have been given projects in research laboratory settings and pilot plants of food manufacturing companies to work on food product development and nutrition labeling. Stagaires have also developed nutrition promotion literature, website editing and nutrition articles related to consumer education regarding new food products, nutritional supplements or nutrition consulting services. Opportunities have also included international placements in non-governmental agencies involved in nutrition promotion in developing countries as well as research in clinical settings working with medical practitioners.
Some of companies involved in stage placements include ABC Délices, Bariatrix Nutrition, Canada Bread (Viau Pilot Plant/ ThinkFOOD Bake Lab), Nutrisimple, and Urban Barns Foods.
