If you want to do an international work term, you must:

1. be in good standing with the Co-operative Education Programs
2. have your CO-OP work term approved by the CO-OP Programs; to qualify as an international CO-OP work term, the job must:

• be related to your program of studies
• be full time
• be 13-16 weeks in length
• be in a safe location as determined by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and by the University of Ottawa's International Office

Note: Some exceptions can be made to certain requirements.

Take this test to find out if you are ready for an international work term.

Students in the Faculty of Social Sciences who want Faculty course credits for their international work term must obtain written permission from the CO-OP Programs and provide it to the Faculty of Social Sciences. This is important for the work-study sequence.

Step 1: Attend international mobility session

Considering an international work term? Then this information session is a must! Given the challenges with securing an international work term, it is advised that you attend the session scheduled approximately nine months prior to your expected departure.

To register

Step 2: Attend an individual meeting with one of our specialists to get help finding a placement abroad.

After attending the information session, the next step is to meet with a CO-OP professional development specialist.

During this individual consultation you will

• establish and structure your international job search plan;
• learn strategies to overcome the typical challenges with an international job search;
• connect with a CO-OP ambassador that has completed an international work term;
• establish a schedule to meet regularly with your CO-OP professional development specialist.
• learn how to go about completing the online international mobility training.

Step 3: Find a job

Here are some resources to help you with your job search.

Step 4: Explore ways to pay for your trip

Look into possibilities for funding, including any scholarships and bursaries you may be eligible for.

Step 5: Training

Complete the online international mobility training

Pre-departure training

• This session is mandatory if you are about to depart on your CO-OP international work term.
• During this session you will discuss the online training modules you've completed and receive information and materials on safety and emergency procedures.

Step 6: Have a good trip!

All of your time and preparation is about to pay off as you prepare to leave for the amazing work term experience waiting for you.

We invite you to join the CO-OP LinkedIn group to connect with members who have lived similar experiences and to ask any questions you may have.

Follow us and join in the conversations on Twitter!

• Be sure to follow the steps outlined in the online training you did.
• Stay in touch with the CO-OP Office (by phone, email, Twitter or LinkedIn) and contact your friends and family regularly.
• Send us pictures so we can put them up on our photo wall. 

Step 1: Complete the online post-placement training

During this session you will learn about reverse-culture shock.

Step 2: CO-OP student abroad post-work term training

Returning from your CO-OP international work term? Then you're ready for the CO-OP student abroad post-work term training hosted by the CO-OP Office (to register).

During this session you will

• discuss your CO-OP resumé and interviewing skills to best market your new knowledge and experience;
• share your experiences with other CO-OP students that have completed an international work term.

Step 3: Share your experience!

We would love for you to share your experience with future travellers by participating in different activities related to mobility and by joining the CO-OP LinkedIn group.