Finding International Work Terms
Please note these are general guidelines to working abroad and each school may have slightly different requirements. Also keep in mind that your co-op department must approve all job opportunities.
Therefore, if you are interested in working abroad it is a good idea to contact the co-op department prior to beginning your job search.
Economic Conditions/Labour Market Research
When researching countries/regions for potential international work terms, it is important to consider the local economic conditions and conduct some labour market research. For example, if a local economy is at a low point and unemployment is high, there may be fewer opportunities in that particular location.
Visa restrictions may also be a factor in countries where the economy is at a low point.
Focus your search on countries/locations with a recovering or prospering economy. Check government websites for individual countries, as well as relevant local and international industry associations for information on the labour market and economy. For example, the European Commission's European Job Mobility Portal and the European Employment Observatory are two resources to review.
Resources for Searching for International Work Terms
While some institutions have designated international co-op programs that can provide international opportunties, you may need to conduct your own job search in addition to searching your co-op database.
The Government of Canada has a database where national and international jobs are posted; this is a good resource to look into. http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca
If you have worked for an international organization in the past you could ask your past employer if they know of any opportunities with the company abroad.
Other resources to consider are:
AIESEC - An international platform that helps young people discover and develop their potential to have a positive impact on society. The AIESEC Global Internship Program has four streams:
- Management: Internships in general business functions such as marketing, finance and HR.
- Technical: Internships in IT and engineering.
- Development: Internships focusing on community and social development.
- Educational: Internships focusing on teaching others.
For more information visit the AIESEC website: http://aiesec.ca
CJCP - The Canada-Japan Co-op Program integrates engineering, science, business and arts discipline undergraduate and graduate students from across Canada with highly committed Japanese businesses. The program is open to Canadian universities and colleges and is currently administered from The University of British Columbia.
For more information visit the CJCP website: http://thecoopjapanprogram.com
DAAD - Rise Program - The Research Internships in Science and Engineering program is administered by the German Academic Exchange Service. It is for students studying biology, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering and physics. The program sends students from all over the world to Germany to work with doctoral students on research projects. Note: the working language is English however, knowing some basic German will be beneficial.
For more information visit the DAAD website: http://www.daad.org/rise
Going Global - is a database that provides information on job and internship resources, employment trends and industry profiles for 24 countries. The database also includes interview and cultural advice as well as assistance with the process of getting a work permit and visa. Contact your co-op department to see if they subscribe to this website so that you can gain access to it.
For more information visit the Going Global website: http://goinglobal.com
IAESTE - The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience places Canadian students who are currently in full-time attendance at a university or college in Canada studying engineering, technical sciences, or technologies such as architechture, agriculture, and forestry. Please note the eligibility criteria, application procedures, salaries and fees.
For more information visit the IAESTE website: http://www.iaeste.org
SWAP - SWAP Working Holidays offers work abroad programs and assistance with visa and work permits for 13 different countries.
For more information visit the SWAP website: www.swap.ca
*Please note that there may be fees associated with the services that these organizations provide.