What is the Centre for Experiential Learning?
The Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL) and Student Engagement at Vancouver Island University is a comprehensive hub supporting students, faculty and employers through a range of services that enhance work-integrated learning (WIL), career readiness, student engagement and success.
Our team provides essential resources for pre-employment preparation, career transition, and employer partnerships while maintaining critical administrative operations like record-keeping and reporting.
CEL serves as a bridge between academic learning and real-world experiences, fostering meaningful connections and ensuring students are prepared for life beyond graduation.
- Danielle Johnsrude, Director

Work-Integrated Learning and Career Services 2023 Highlights Report
This annual report highlights general trends and developments over the past year.
Student Stories
Celebrating VIU’s emerging salmon leaders
Each year, the Pacific Salmon Foundation supports the next generation of salmon leaders through scholarships and bursaries that help students pursue their…
Why you should say YES to studying abroad
It’s been about a year since I’ve returned from my study abroad opportunity at the University of Hertfordshire in England. The University of Hertfordshire is…
Alumni Spotlight on Julie Niyitegeka
Building community and finding her passionJoining a club and doing an independent research project helped Julie Niyitegeka navigate through her four-year…
Finding her calling in therapeutic healing
Pursuing a university degree close to home when classes were online because of a world-wide pandemic helped Elise Cole focus on her career goal of becoming a…
From memoirs to microplastics: Making headlines for a class assignment
When Christina Hunt enrolled in a journalism elective, she didn’t expect it to lead to seeing her byline in one of BC’s major newspapers. The opinion piece…