CanStudyUS Fellowship

2025 Virtual

The CanStudyUS Fellowship is designed for young people with an active interest in policy and current affairs to learn from experts and leaders in the United States and Canada. In the wake of the pivotal U.S. election on November 5, 2024, the 2025 CanStudyUS Virtual Fellowship offers young Canadian leaders and early career professionals a platform to engage deeply with the economic policies that will shape the future of both countries.

8 weeks in Spring 2025

Live virtual sessions

Learn from experts and leaders from the US and Canada

Eligibility: Students and young professionals based in Canada between the ages of 20-35 by the application deadline. No prerequisites required.

Please note: We recently decided to postpone the start of the fellowship. Our plan was for the fellowship program to take place in January and February 2025, but to ensure an impactful experience for all learners, the program will now take place later in 2025 than initially planned. Applications will open in early 2025. If you would like to be informed when applications open, please either sign up for an email alert by clicking the button below or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest news, research, opportunities and events at the Dais.

Applications will open in early 2025

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About the Fellowship

Canada and the United States share one of the most significant economic relationships in the world.As global dynamics evolve, strengthening and understanding the complexities of the Canada-US relationship becomes increasingly vital.

The 2025 fellowship will explore how U.S. policies post-election will affect Canada’s trade, investment, and business strategies. Learners will engage online with experts from both countries, examining key issues like trade agreements, labour markets, technology, innovation, and the green economy.

This eight-week virtual fellowship is tailored to Canadians aged 20-35 with a strong interest in policy, politics, and current affairs. With a cohort of 75-100 learners, the large group format is designed to foster diverse perspectives and broad discussions, and provides an opportunity for fellows to develop networks with their peers coast to coast. By taking part in interactive panels followed by small group discussions, fellows will gain a nuanced understanding of the economic forces shaping North America.

Upon completion, fellows will receive a certificate and a LinkedIn badge, along with opportunities to connect with the Dais’ leadership network. One of the most exciting aspects of fully completing the virtual program is the opportunity to apply for future CanStudyUS Home and Away Fellowships. This intensive extended learning experience is open only to current fellows and alumni of the virtual fellowship programs. Selected participants embark on an immersive journey to the United States on a multi-day study tour, where they engage firsthand with leaders, think tank experts, civil servants, and academics, gaining valuable insights into U.S. public policy. Upon their return to Canada, each fellow leads a community project to apply their newfound knowledge locally.

To take part in the virtual fellowship, interested candidates are required to apply using the online application form to express their interest in the program.

What You’ll Gain

A deeper understanding of bilateral relations
Each session will feature a summary of the Canada-U.S. 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 a private LinkedIn group. Once you become a Fellow, you’ll join the wider CanStudyUS alumni community and have 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 only 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.

All Fellows who attend at least the full duration of six of the eight live sessions will be considered to have completed the program and will receive a certificate and a LinkedIn badge to acknowledge the skills they have gained through the program.

Format

8 weeks

Earn a certificate and LinkedIn badge on completion of the fellowship

Applied, collaborative and inclusive learning environment

Live virtual sessions on Zoom

Real-time, online learning

Exclusive access to leading guest speakers and experts

Example Fellowship Outline

Primer on the U.S. Political System (optional)

Week 1

Two Economies, Two Paths – How U.S. and Canadian Economic Policies Differ

Week 2

The Politics of the Economy in U.S. Elections and Media

Week 3

Trade and Investment Relations Between Canada and the U.S.

Week 4

Regional Economies: A Profile of Georgia, Florida, and Michigan

Week 5

The Role of Technology and Innovation in North America’s Future

Week 6

The Green Energy Transition and Environmental Economics

Week 7

Indigenous Self-Governance and Local Economic Development

Week 8

Canada’s Strategy for U.S. Engagement

2024 Home and Away Fellowship

September 2024 to April 2025

Study experience: October 14–19, 2024

Four U.S. cities: Detroit, Ann Arbor, Akron and Pittsburgh

Eligibility: Prior completion of the CanStudyUS Virtual Fellowship, aged 20 - 35

Applications are now closed. However, a limited number of applications from eligible TMU students will still be accepted. To learn more, contact canstudyus@torontomu.ca.

This hybrid program is for alumni of the virtual fellowship programs. A small group embarks on an immersive study journey to the U.S., followed by each fellow leading a community project when they return to Canada. Fellows meet with leaders, think tank experts, civil servants, and academics for firsthand insights into U.S. public policy. To take part in the fellowship, interested candidates who have previously completed the CanStudyUS Virtual Fellowship are required to apply using the online application form.

Want to learn more about the Home and Away fellowship experience? Check out the highlights from 2023!

About the Fellowship

Canada’s relationship with the U.S. is crucial, sharing the world’s longest border and the second-largest trading partnership. As global dynamics evolve, understanding this relationship is increasingly vital for Canada’s future leaders and policymakers.

The Dais’ CanStudyUS Fellowship, established in 2018, offers young Canadian leaders a chance to explore current affairs and public policies of both countries.

We encourage young Canadian leaders aged 20-35 to participate in the Virtual Fellowship to build your understanding of the bilateral relations between Canada and the United States. Then, apply for the Home and Away Fellowship to visit the U.S. and learn from leaders and experts.

Meet the Fellowship Team

Karim Bardeesy
Executive Director, The Dais

Camara Chambers
Director of Leadership Development, The Dais

Feben Bogale
Leadership Development Assistant, The Dais

Get in touch

Questions or want to learn more about the program?

Contact email address: canstudyus@torontomu.ca

Contact

Testimonials

“The speakers were all excellent and very engaging. I appreciated their unique professional and personal experiences which were a fascinating insight into the US and Canadian political context and its different dimensions. I also just really appreciated how candid they were, and that we likely would not have had a chance to connect with them if the program wasn’t delivered virtually."

“A phenomenal opportunity to learn, grow and engage with others.”

“I really enjoyed hearing first-hand insights and experience from leaders working in various sectors. Also, getting to connect with the other fellows has been incredible and I look forward to continuing to build these relationships outside of the fellowship!”