Experiential Learning helps students gain experience outside the classroom. This helps students develop knowledge, skills, and values from direct experiences including internships, co-ops, service-learning, and job shadowing.
To schedule an appointment via Handshake:
- Select Appointments: From your dashboard, click Appointments on the left-hand bar.
- Choose Your Type: Select a Category and Type of appointment.
- Pick a Time: Select an available time slot or browse by specific staff members.
- Request: Fill out the “What can we help you with?” section and click Request.
Keep an eye on your Handshake notifications and email for your appointment confirmation and instructions.
Mission, Vision, Values
Mission
The University of Central Florida (UCF) Experiential Learning (EL) mission is to develop and sustain high-quality experiential learning opportunities through an environment that promotes collaboration among students, faculty, the community, and employer partners. In doing so, we support students as they make theory-to-practice connections that enhance their academic learning and facilitate the development of skills and abilities necessary to contribute to the global community.
Vision
With the support of our partners on campus and in the community, we endeavor to facilitate transformative, academic learning opportunities that support students’ growth as professionals. In collaboration with a group of stakeholders, we seek to give students access to high-quality internships, co-ops, and service-learning experiences. Through these opportunities, we will grow our collective expertise and continue to position UCF as a leader in the global community.
Values
What we do is rooted in campus and community…
- connections,
- student-centered learning,
- empowerment,
- access for all,
and - excellence in quality of service provided to stakeholders.
Overview of Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning helps students gain experience outside the classroom. This helps students develop knowledge, skills, and values through direct experiences, including internships, co-ops, service-learning, and job shadowing, known at UCF and in the community as Knight Shadow.
Internships
An internship is a temporary work experience that allows you to apply classroom learning to real-world settings. Internships may be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, local, national, or international and can be with corporate and private businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Students can complete internships during the academic year as well as during the summer. Many programs strongly encourage or even require an internship, and students can often earn academic credit for an approved internship.
For assistance with finding an internship, students can schedule an appointment with Experiential Learning via Handshake or visiting our Internship Search Resources List.
Service Learning
Service-learning (SL) is a teaching method that enables students to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to meaningful service to the community. Service-learning combines classroom learning goals and community service in a way that enhances or benefits both the student and the community.
Knight Shadow Program (Job Shadowing)
Job shadowing can be a great way to expand your network and get a real-world glimpse of a specific role, work environment, or field. Experiential Learning facilitates the UCF Knight Shadow Program, which provides students the opportunity to participate in a one-day shadow experience with industry professionals. Knight shadow sessions are held during the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Visit Handshake and search “UCF Knight Shadow” to search and apply for opportunities.
Co-ops
Cooperative Education (Co-op), like an internship, is an academic program that allows students to apply classroom theory in a real-world setting. Co-op experiences take place over multiple semesters and are always paid. Students can register multiple semesters of experience in a co-op program, either for credit, or zero credit.
Study Abroad
Studying in another country transforms students’ educational and personal perspectives and enhances their future development in profound ways. UCF offers students a variety of options for international experiences. For information on international experiences, visit UCF Abroad.
Contact Us
Didn’t find the information you were looking for? Reach out to our office—we’re just a call or message away and ready to answer your questions.
