International Education Studies (BA)

Expand your global awareness and intercultural skills by studying educational philosophies and teaching approaches for international settings. This unique program blends academic learning with hands-on experience, integrating coursework from both the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Arts.

International Education Studies can pave the way to a Bachelor of Education and a teaching career, either in Canada or abroad. It also prepares you for diverse careers in international development, migration and refugees, or human rights. Whatever your path, you’ll be ready to excel in a globally interconnected world.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors in International Education work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete, and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Innovative Interdisciplinary Learning
    Laurier’s unique BA in International Education Studies combines the Faculty of Education and the Department of Global Studies, offering a rich blend of instructional planning, teaching for diversity, and global challenges.
  • Global Perspectives and Practical Skills 
    Develop a deep understanding of global issues like climate change and inequality while gaining practical skills in teaching and intercultural engagement. Tailor your education to careers in human rights, international development, and peacebuilding.
  • Local Educational Placements 
    In your second year, engage in a local placement within schools or community organizations, focusing on educational practices that support diverse languages and cultures, and gain valuable experience in real-world settings.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more):

  • Explore Co-Curricular Experiences
    Join Laurier Students for Learning (LSFL) and help inspire a love of literacy and learning in school age children, applying your learning beyond the classroom walls.
  • TEFL Certification 
    Complete a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate from Conestoga College for the training and first credential required to teach English as a second/foreign language in Canada or abroad. 
  • Global Placement Opportunities 
    Between your third and fourth year, undertake an intensive international placement with partner schools and organizations. Choose between opportunities abroad or in the Waterloo Region to advance your professional development.

Courses, Options and Pathways

Courses 

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

Program Options 

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • community engagement specialist
  • ESL teacher
  • global engagement program manager
  • human rights lawyer
  • NGO program coordinator/manager
  • policy analyst
  • teacher in an international school

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot. With more than 60 programs in arts, science, business and music, you can customize your degree, gain hands-on learning opportunities and join in the community beyond the classroom.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

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Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

You can complete your program primarily through in-person courses where you will attend classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses. 

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?