Sam, an Illustration student at Birmingham City University, spent 12 weeks studying in Ottawa, Canada, as part of the MITCAS International programme. Hear from Sam on how his trip went!
"MITACS is an international programme where students from all over the world can complete a 3 month summer research project in their chosen field at universities all across Canada. This summer, I participated in the programme at Carleton University in Ottawa.
I had discovered this opportunity purely through chance: I had checked my university emails last summer to find it advertised to me. I thought, why not?
As an Illustration student, I was very lucky to find a project that allowed me to contribute my knowledge and skills to create a series of animated, educational films about public architecture.
I felt that undertaking this internship would not only allow me to contribute my existing skills to the world but also help me to improve and embed my creative and research skills. Some films, such as a film I produced about the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, required me to decode and use old DV footage taken over 20 years ago.
Other projects, such as a film about interior design, had me searching through archives to collate information and imagery to use in the film. The production of the films required learning and problem-solving on my feet with After Effects and Premiere Pro as well as understanding architecture, a field I had little to no prior knowledge in beforehand.
What I loved most about this opportunity was how the programme helped me to connect with interns from all around the world. I have built both personal and professional friendships here. Having these connections made the experience of settling into a new continent much easier, as I was sharing this experience with many others.
I had plenty of experiences with these fellow interns outside of MITACS, not only exploring Ottawa together but traveling around Canada too.
I am happy that I took the spontaneous chance because my time in Canada has been a formative part of my life and degree.
The networks I have built have allowed me a valuable step into my industry and the experience I gathered working this summer has developed my skill set ready for the future."
