About The fellowship

The US elections of November 2024 will help determine the fate of American democracy and of the Canada-US relationship. You'll be joining a community of fellows from across Canada online every week in May and June 2024 as we learn about America’s democracy and economy, and how it impacts one of its closest allies, Canada.

The CanStudyUS virtual fellowship provides a rare opportunity for young people with an active interest in policy and current affairs to learn from experts and leaders in the United States and Canada. Fellows will convene online weekly to hear from Canadian and US experts via interactive panel discussions. You will have the opportunity to pose your questions to the speakers, before joining small group discussions with your peers for deeper reflection. Fellows who complete the program will receive a LinkedIn badge and a certificate.

As a public policy and leadership think tank, the Dais focuses on three main domains:

• Innovation and Tech: Growing a more inclusive economy and lasting prosperity through innovation, while harnessing technology responsibly.

• Education and Skills: Ensuring that our education and training systems are equitably preparing Canadians to thrive in a changing world.

• Democracy and Trust: Better equipping a broader set of leaders to advance positive policy change and rebuild trust in public institutions.
  
  

We have carefully selected topics aligned with these domains to reflect the most pertinent issues in public policy. Each week, the fellowship's panel will discuss one of these topics in detail. Our think tank's research is often included on the reading list each week. Our reports will provide you with Canadian insights on each topic, enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of local dynamics and developments.

How To Make The Most of The Fellowship

Below are four tips to ensure you make the most of this unique learning experience:

1. Engage Fully: This begins the moment you log into the Zoom each week. Do you best to ensure your environment is free of distractions so you can be fully present for the two hours. Take advantage of every opportunity to ask questions of our panelists and experts and be brave in sharing your observations and thoughts with your peers. Your active engagement will not only enrich your own learning experience but also the experience of other fellows 

2. Prepare Thoroughly: The more you understand about the topic, the more fully you will be able to participate. Be sure to review the pre-session reading materials and familiarize yourself with the bios of the speakers before each session. Being well-prepared will enable you to ask insightful questions and contribute meaningfully to the discussions.

3. Network Proactively: Take initiative in reaching out to your fellow participants and speakers. This website includes both the bios of the fellows and the speakers. Building relationships with others in the fellowship can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, so if you notice a fellow who has an interest in something you do, be proactive and reach out to them. You could ask for a virtual coffee chat to get to know them better. 

4. Reflect and Apply: Each week's panel will be packed with information. Be sure to take notes and then take time to reflect on what you've learned after each session. Consider how you can apply these insights to your own work and interests. The fellowship is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about translating that knowledge into action.

What You'll Gain 

A deeper understanding of bilateral relations
Each session will feature a summary of the Canada-US relationship, followed by insights from experts and leaders from both countries, offering diverse perspectives on key policy issues. Fellows will be able to pose questions to the speakers to increase their understanding of the nuances of each topic.

Insights into current and future trends
Explore emerging trends and challenges shaping the political, economic, and social landscapes of Canada and the United States. Engage with thought leaders and industry experts to gain valuable perspectives on future developments in areas such as technology, sustainability, and governance. 

A national network of ambitious peers
Connect with a diverse group of like-minded peers from across Canada who share a passion for public policy and social change. Exchange ideas and share experiences with fellow participants each week in small-group breakout rooms. Build lasting relationships and expand your professional network through our private LinkedIn group. Now you are a Fellow, you have joined a wider CanStudyUS alumni community. We will periodically send out emails offering you access to exclusive events, networking opportunities, and discounts on the Dais’ professional development offerings.

An opportunity to be part of the next study experience in the US
Reserved for current CanStudyUS Virtual Fellows or recent alumni, the Home and Away CanStudyUS Fellowship by the Dais offers an exclusive chance to explore Canada-US public policy in depth. Immerse yourself in a multi-day experience in Washington D.C. or selected states deeply connected to bilateral relations, where you’ll engage face-to-face with prominent leaders, experts, and academics. Eligibility is limited to participants and recent alumni of the virtual program and an application will be required as we always have more interest than we can accommodate. Invitations to apply will be distributed once details for the next Home and Away Fellowship are confirmed, anticipated in late 2024.

A Certificate and LinkedIn Badge Upon Completion
All Fellows who attend at least six of the eight live sessions will receive a certificate and a LinkedIn badge to acknowledge the skills they have gained through the program.

FAQs about the program

Will the sessions be recorded?

Yes, every session will be recorded and uploaded onto this website within a few days. 

What will the format of the sessions be?

The majority of the sessions will follow this format:

Introduction and Overview (30 mins): Each session will kick off with a welcome and overview of the topic by the Dais staff team. 

Panel Discussion (1 hr): We will then have the panel discussion with our guest speakers - Experts based in Canada and the U.S. who will share their insights on the session's topic. Panelists may be academics, journalists, activists, think tank staff or community leaders. During each panel there will be time for fellows to pose their own questions to the panel.

Reflections in Breakout Rooms (20 mins): Fellows will be moved to breakout rooms where they will discuss what they heard and how it applies to their work. This is your opportunity to get to know each other, share ideas, and consider different opinions. 

Closing Remarks and Feedback (10 mins): We will end each session with closing remarks, a reminder of the next session's details, and the opportunity for fellows to share feedback on the session. 

The only exception is the optional U.S. Democracy 101 on Monday, May 6th, where the session will be delivered as a lecture. 

Do I need to have my camera on during each session?

We recommend that you have your camera on and arrive ready to engage! Our speakers love seeing your faces as they speak to you and it'll be easier to get to know each other if we can see each other. If you are not comfortable having your camera on for a session because you need a break, are in a distracting environment or are not feeling your best, then it's okay to have it off.

I am not able to attend a session. What should I do?

Please email canstudyus@torontomu.ca to let us know in advance and be sure to watch the session afterwards on this website. We will make a note that you did not attend the live session. 

How and when will I receive the LinkedIn badge and certificate?

If you attend 6 of 8 of the compulsory live workshops, we will send you a LinkedIn badge and certificate within a month of completing the program. We will track attendance every week and at the end of the fellowship, we'll send an email letting you know whether you are eligible and how to access the badge and certificate.