My experience as a Mitacs Globalink Research Intern in Montréal, Canada

I discovered the programme by sheer luck. I was clearing out my university email inbox when my eye caught an email from the Study Abroad Department. As I skimmed the eligibility criteria, I realised I was a perfect match. I was at the end of my first year of a three-year undergraduate programme; I met the grade requirements (2:1 or above); and was free for 12 weeks during the summer of 2022.

All costs are covered – flights, accommodation, health insurance, living expenditure (meaning too many iced oat lattes). This programme gives interns the opportunity to work with top professors, experience Canada in the summertime, and see if the stereotype that all Canadians are overly friendly is true (spoiler alert – it is). And if you didn’t think it could get better, the internship also gives all former research interns $15,000 to fund a masters or PhD in Canada within five years of completing the programme. It really is an amazing opportunity.  

The application process was quite detailed. I had to submit a research CV, a reference letter, an academic transcript, and rank seven programmes of interest from 1 to 7. There were limitless projects to choose from, and many had different starting dates, some as early as May, all in different places across Canada including Ontario, Québec, British Columbia, and Alberta. You need to know what you’re interested in, the exact date you can start, and where you want to live for 3 months.

But don’t let that put you off. I did some research on where I wanted to stay – a vibrant city with lots of activities and opportunities – and narrowed down my list to research projects based in Toronto and Montréal. I didn’t have an extensive pros and cons list, nor tie too much attachment to certain projects, but just diligently checked my email praying for it to start with ‘We are delighted to inform you…’

And that email luckily dropped into my inbox. After playing the waiting game to see if any host professors liked my application, I secured several interviews: one based in Toronto and another in Montreal. I then received an email confirming that I had been matched to a research programme at the Université de Montréal in Montréal, a city in the Quebec province of eastern Canada. The project specialised in digital humanities and was run by Professor Michael Sinatra, who was the most supportive host professor.  

The planning required for pre-departure was intense. I had to organise accommodation, book flights, fill out immigration forms and pray that the pandemic would stay at bay - all whilst preparing myself to travel alone and live abroad in a place I had never visited before. At times it was confusing and stressful, but my professor was incredibly helpful and answered all my questions. Once everything was sorted, I got on with second year, with my arrival date set firmly in my head: 1st of July 2022. Little did I know, my departing flight coincided with Canada Day – the biggest holiday in Canada – and I was greeted with Canada in it’s true spirit.

Montréal is a bilingual French-speaking city located on an island in the Saint Lawrence River. Known for its diversity, food, festivals, culture and art, it is a city that makes sure every single person is entertained. When I arrived in Montréal, dazed from an 8-hour flight, as I ventured my way through downtown to my apartment, I can only describe it as, well, overwhelming. The streets were lined with large stages blasting with music, food trucks, people laughing and dancing, and firework displays left, right, and centre. I thought this utopian street scene was only a one-off. And I was so wrong.

Every evening was the same: music, packed bars, and firework displays on random Wednesday evenings. I was lucky enough to have a view of downtown Montreal, and I would sit for hours people-watching, listening to the music playing along the streets, and admiring the fireworks. Everyone had this energy – this zest for life – that was so eye-opening.

In my first week, my professor kindly gave me time to settle. I used this time arranging a SIM card and a student OPUS card for discounted rail travel, opening a bank account so Mitacs could send me the first instalment of money, familiarising myself with downtown Montreal, and meeting people. I then commuted daily to Université de Montréal which took around 20 minutes, spent my days researching with two other fellow interns – one from the UK and another from Mexico – and slowly became accustomed to the Canadian lifestyle. And what was to follow was three months of what I can only describe in one simple, yet powerful word: freedom.

I went on a trip to Québec City with two girls that became my closest friends in Montréal. Many nights were spent in the streets of Plateau Mont-Royal, a district well-known for its trendy bars and restaurants. I went to numerous concerts, attended Montreal’s famous festival, Osheaga Festival, and spent many long summer evenings hanging out with friends overlooking the city in Mount Royal Parc, or on the beach in Parc Jean-Drapeau. There truly never was a dull moment.

When I came home three months later in September, I realised how invaluable the experience was. The Mitacs Globalink scheme reminded me how important it is to learn about new subject areas, step outside your comfort zone, and how transformative solo travel is. I recommend this programme to everyone who is eligible – I never thought I would be offered a place and here I am, a year later, wishing I could do it again this summer!