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1. [Home](/index%2Ephp/)
2. [Student Services](/index%2Ephp/student-services)
3. [Centre For Emerging Artists and Designers](/index%2Ephp/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers)
4. [Experiential Learning](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/429)
Explore
- [CEAD Events & Opportunities](/index%2Ephp/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/career-development/cead-events-opportunities)
- [Design4](/index%2Ephp/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/experiential-learning/design4)
- [Placement Courses](/index%2Ephp/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/experiential-learning/placement-courses)
- [Tools & Resources](/index%2Ephp/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/tools-and-resources)
- [Work/Place Program](/index%2Ephp/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/experiential-learning/work-place-program)
# Experiential Learning
Explore
- [CEAD Events & Opportunities](/index%2Ephp/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/career-development/cead-events-opportunities)
- [Design4](/index%2Ephp/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/experiential-learning/design4)
- [Placement Courses](/index%2Ephp/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/experiential-learning/placement-courses)
- [Tools & Resources](/index%2Ephp/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/tools-and-resources)
- [Work/Place Program](/index%2Ephp/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/experiential-learning/work-place-program)
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As part of the RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers, the Experiential Learning Program offers a continuous approach to bridging formal studies with opportunities for professional, personal and civic growth.
The Experiential Learning Program is more specialized than traditional co-ops, responding to the individuality of students’ needs and goals. Experiential Learning at OCAD U is informed by considered responses, guided self-reflection and critical action. Supported by the Experiential Learning Program team, students learn to take an empathetic and informed approach to building their professional community, gaining valuable experience and skills necessary for a meaningful creative career.
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### Placement courses
Opportunities for creative development and professional experience facilitated through placement-integrated courses
[ Learn more
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### Field placement
Student-led, self-directed opportunities for creative development and professional experience, facilitated on an individual basis.
### Design4
Upper-year students work with a range of employment partners and faculty leaders on real-world creative challenges.
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### Work/Place Program
The Work/Place Program transforms student employment into an experiential learning opportunity by providing a way for students to set goals and self-reflect during their work term. Students are connected to resources, services and events offered by RBC CEAD. In recognition of participating in the Work/Place program, students receive recognition from OCAD U through a limited-edition pin designed by an OCAD U alum.
[ Learn more
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### Info for partners
We’re growing our network of industry partners! Our placements connect employers looking for fresh perspectives with students ready to contribute their skills to your workplace.
Students enrol in the program to earn academic credit. Placements are unpaid and run for 80-120 hours part-time, within an academic term (typically 12 weeks).
[Download brochure](https://www.ocadu.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/OCADU_CreateOpportunity_2024.pdf)
### Basic parameters
- OCAD U students enrol to do a learning placement and earn academic credit
- Duration: 80 – 120 hours (part-time) within an academic term (typically 12 weeks)
- Placement employer provides supervision and mentorship
- OCAD U faculty supervisor provides academic coaching and evaluation
- Experiential Learning Program team provides professional development advising and placement facilitation
- Please refer to the Experiential Learning Toolkit for tools and resources for hosting a student’s Experiential Learning Placement.
### An OCAD U student has asked me to host their placement. What's next?
Please connect with the Experiential Learning Program team: our role is to ensure that Placements meet OCAD U’s program requirements for experiential learning and risk management.
Please contact us at .
### What's the difference between OCAD U's experiential learning placements and traditional co-op or internships?
The major difference is that OCAD U’s Learning Placements prioritize learning over work. Each OCAD U student goes into the placement with learning outcomes and deliverables that are reflected upon and assessed for academic credit.
### How can I hire an OCAD U student for paid work?
Employers can recruit OCAD U talent through the Talent Network, our exclusive job portal for current OCAD U students and graduates.
Our colleagues in Career Development are available to discuss unique paid opportunities for OCAD U students and alums.
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