Student Internships

Looking to gain hands-on experience, and complete the requirements for your respective program in an inclusive, welcoming and diverse organization?

We believe in advocating for a place of acceptance, diversity and empathy. We strive to enrich communities through education, literacy and mental wellness. Students play an integral role as we believe in raising up and equipping the next generation and launching them into our communities in their respective fields.

Our Commitment to our Student Interns

* Providing hands on learning opportunities

* Work with a diverse group of individuals accessing services across all our programs

* Weekly supervision and feedback

* Opportunities to challenge and maximize learning experiences

* A cohesive full time staff team to support, educate and mentor throughout your placement

Highschool Co-operative Education

Join our organization to help obtain your high school credits through the Co-operative Education program or O2 program at your local high school.

Requirements to Apply

* must be 16 years of age or older

* be willing to learn and have a teachable attitude

* consistent attendance and excellent time management skills are required

* if 18+ years of age, must have a criminal records & vulnerable sector check completed prior to start date

* attend a FSTRA volunteer training session

* horse experience is an asset - but not required

* please ensure your teacher contacts our organization in order for your application to be considered complete

College Practicums & Placements

We encourage students who are currently enrolled in college programs requiring field related practicums to apply to our placement opportunities.

Requirements to Apply

* must be currently registered in a recognized college level program in a related field.

* Programs eligible include (but not limited to)
- therapeutic recreation
- early intervention
- child & youth studies
- addictions counselling

* must have a criminal records & vulnerable sector check completed prior to start date

* attend a FSTRA volunteer training session

* horse experience is an asset - but no required

* please note: this placement involves working with animals in an outdoor environment for a portion of the day.

- Cassidy -
2019 Student Intern

” My time working with FSTRA has been nothing short of amazing. I started volunteering with FSTRA in the Fall of 2018, and was lucky enough to do my school work placement here in April-May of 2019. I have always had a passion for horses and with my psychology background in school I had gained an interest in the therapeutic component of working with horses. Working with FSTRA, I have been able to see first hand how Equine Therapy is able to help a wide range of issues whether they be mental health issues, or physical and intellectual disabilities. My favourite part, is seeing how much the horses mean to each and every one of the clients at FSTRA, and how being around these beautiful animals is enabling them to do things they may not have had the opportunity to do otherwise!”

“As a student coming from a different area to a place your not familiar with can be nerve wracking but being able to come to a facility with kind and welcoming staff and volunteers that make you feel right at home takes those feeling away. From the first day at FSTRA until now there’s not a day where I don’t learn new things. FSTRA is an amazing program that I could talk about every second of everyday. I’ve fallen in love with the program since day one and I don’t want to leave. There is no words to completely describe how amazing FSTRA is and I will never forget my experience in being able to come here”.

- Morgan -
NSCC - Therapeutic Recreation Student

University Placements

We encourage students who are currently enrolled in a university program requiring field related practicums to apply to our placement opportunities.

Requirements to Apply

* must be registered in a recognized university program

* Programs eligible to apply:
- administrative
- early childhood education
- social work / social services
- kinesiology / physiotherapy

* must be 18+ years of age

* must have a criminal records & vulnerable sector check completed prior to start date

* must attend a FSTRA volunteer training

Please submit your application to

executivedirector@fstra.org

or submit a hard copy to the FSTRA Office

How to Apply

Note: Please ensure that you start your application one month prior to the commencement of your desired placement date

1. Submit a Cover Letter outlining the following:
a) your program you’re enrolled in b) your reasoning as to why our program will enhance your learning & professional development c) the number of hours & days required for your program’s placement d) any background or previous experience related to this field

2. Submit a Resume

3. Wait to be contacted for an interview (Please note: All applicants will have the opportunity to be interviewed)

4. Bring a professional portfolio or 3 samples of your academic/professional work to the interview

Due to limited availability and a high volume of applicants, only a selected few opportunities for students will be available each year.