Asia Connect

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada believes that Asia competence—the knowledge, skills, and experiences required for effective engagement with Asia—is the foundation of a strong and thriving Canada-Asia relationship. APF Canada's Asia Connect program supports Canadian youth in building their own Asia competence through valuable work experience in Asia.

We are forming partnerships with the private sector and Canadian post-secondary institutions to create new internship opportunities in key Asian markets. In addition, we are identifying ways to support former interns in connecting with Asia-engaged professional and business networks in both Canada and Asia.

Philippines-Nimbyx

Nimbyx, a Vancouver-based software development company, hosted a Technology Intern in summer 2019 at its office in Metro Manila in the Philippines. CEO Paolo Kalaw was featured in Business in Vancouver, and in 2017, Nimbyx was recognized by the Globe and Mail as one of five companies that took successful action in a competitive global digital economy. More information can be found here.

India-Simon Fraser University

This program supports SFU undergraduate students to get work experience in India at Zone Startups India in the Bombay Stock Exchange Building (Mumbai) or the Deshpande Foundation in Hubli. Both opportunities will help students develop entrepreneurship and innovation-related skills. More information can be found here.

India-Langara College

APF Canada, Langara College, and Optimus Information, a Vancouver-based company with operations in New Delhi, India, created the Langara India Connect program, which hosts two Langara students for a four-month co-op in marketing or computer science/ IT. The first two students shared their experiences here. The current students are sharing their updates here.

Hong Kong, China-Noah Canada

Noah Canada, part of China-based Noah Holdings Limited, hosted four Canadian university students each at its Hong Kong and Shanghai offices in summer 2018 and summer 2019. Noah Holdings is a wealth and asset management company serving clients in Mainland China, Taiwan, and the U.S. Read about the first cohort's experience here. This internship is not being offered in 2020. Please check back in 2021 for updates.

Cansbridge-APF Canada Fellowship

APF Canada has partnered with the Cansbridge Fellowship Program, a highly selective program for Canadian students with a proven ability to manage, build, and innovate across borders. On October 12-13, 2018, APF Canada and Cansbridge co-hosted the "Building Bridges" student conference in Vancouver that focused on youth, entrepreneurship, and opportunities in Asia. For more information, please see the event re-cap blog.

Networks

For students and recent graduates interested in getting work, study, or research experience in Asia, we encourage you to check out the following organizations:

AIESEC Canada

AIESEC is a global platform to help you find experiences around the world through paid internships and volunteer experiences.

Canada World Youth

Canada World Youth (CWY), an international non-profit youth development organization, supports youth's agency through transformative learning experiences that create long-lasting impact on themselves and societies. This includes through the China-Canada Young Leaders Program, developed in partnership with East China Normal University (Shanghai).

Cansbridge Fellowship Program

The Cansbridge Fellowship offers scholarships to help you gain experience and build a unique professional network in Asia.

International Experience Canada

If you're a Canadian citizen aged 18-35, International Experience Canada (IEC) offers you a path to a work permit or visa to work and explore in one of over 30 countries and territories.

Mitacs Globalink

The Mitacs Globalink Research Award offers $6,000 awards for research in Mitacs partner countries, including China, India, Japan and Korea. Senior undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply. Mitacs Accelerate International offers $15,000 awards for research with a company in any country around the world. Graduate students are eligible.

JET Canada

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme aims to enhance foreign language education, and promote international exchange.