The goal of this program is to give the Interns an opportunity to learn about topics central to graduate education and neuroscience research in Africa and Latin America. In these countries, how are graduate programs structured, how are students selected and funded, and how much mobility do these students have? 

Specific responsibilities of interns:

Class Discussions
Before the School begins, the teaching interns will meet with the Organizing Committee to review this year’s attendees, the teaching Faculty, and the School curriculum. The interns will becoming familiar with topics that will be discussed in class. Each day during the first week, the interns will lead a 45-60-minute review with the class to reinforce key points and to ensure that all students have understood the concepts taught. Members of the School’s Organizing Committee will help prepare the interns for these interactive tutorials by discussing strategies to stimulate group discussions and to communicate among a diverse group of students whose mother tongue is not English.

Laboratory Exercises
An important aspect of the School is the laboratory experience of students. The interns will review the pedagogical objectives and technical details of the different laboratory exercises, and they will assist in these labs. As an option, some School participants may carry out projects related to their own research, and interns will visit these students to learn about the students’ research projects and provide assistance, if necessary. Every evening during this week, the interns will lead group discussions about the students’ daily lab experience.

Students’ Research Reports
All students in the School will present their current research to the class. Interns, and faculty members will help students with their preparation, and together the interns, faculty, and class will provide feedback to the students about the format and content of their presentations.

Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Neurosciences
The interns will attend the Canadian Association for Neuroscience meeting and help to promote long-term links among research institutions in Africa and Latin America with those in Canada. At the meeting, the interns and CAN-IBRO students will tour posters relevant to their research programs, and importantly, facilitate introductions to Canadian neuroscientists who share the students’ scientific interests.

Establishing of long-lasting links
As a final component, the interns will help set up a mechanism, using social media, to ensure that the 2020 alumni and interns remain connected once they return to their home country.

Interns’ Final Report
At the conclusion of the School, the interns will submit a report analyzing their experiences in the program, highlighting those aspects that helped them appreciate the challenges and opportunities of neuroscience education and research in African and Latin American countries. They are also encouraged to make suggestions to improve the School and the internship programs.