Once you have been accepted into your faculty co-op program, you can start internationalizing your resume and cover letter, and begin to apply for International Co-op postings!
There are three ways that you can obtain an international co-op position: apply to postings on Symplicity, conduct a Self-Directed Work Search, or work with an Established International Co-op Partner (see below). In addition, we've provided some Tips on Internationalizing Your Resume (see below). These will help you find a job suited to your academic, career, and personal interests. For more Job Finding Resources, click here.
Before you begin your job search, it is advised that you update your passport. It is imperative that you have a passport well before your placement, as you cannot apply for a visa without a valid passport. Getting an updated passport may take several weeks and depending on your situation this may cause problems.
Symplicity
Once you have your resume and cover letter perfected, you can start to apply for jobs on Symplicity. Symplicity is an online posting board for all co-op programs at SFU. All of the jobs posted on Symplicity are available for you to apply for, provided your skills and interests comply with the requirements of the job. Please note: Jobs are only viewable to students who are in the co-op program and have indicated to their coordinator that they are interested in seeking a job for the upcoming semester.
Self-Directed Work Search
If you have very specific job and country interests, then a self-directed work term is likely for you. With the right patience and attitude, countless placements in countless locations are possible. To create a self-directed work term, you go out and find your own employer and introduce Cooperative Learning to them. If the company meets the necessary requirements, SFU International Co-op will help you arrange the opportunity for a co-op position. Resources available for self-directed work searches include stories from past students on the Online Learning Community, as well as links to companies that offer internships worldwide. For more information on these resources and how you can search for a self-directed work placement, click here.
Established Programs Offering International Work Terms
AIESEC
AIESEC is the world's largest student-run organization and is an international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential so that they may have a positive impact on society. In partnership with business and higher education, AIESEC Canada provides students with leadership experiences and global internships. The internship program has four streams: management, technical, development and educational, with internships being between 2 and 18 months. A sponsorship of $300 is available to students to help cover the cost of the AIESEC exchange fee.
DAAD
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a publicly-funded independent organization of higher education institutions in Germany. The 14 international offices provide information and financial support for international research and study to over 50,000 highly-qualified students and faculty per year.
IAESTE
The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) is an independent, non-governmental program with consultative relationships with UNESCO, UN Economic and Social Council, UN Industrial Development Organization, the ILO, and other bodies. Over 7,000 Canadian students have benefitted from the program. IAESTE links students with paid practical experience in their field and supports students in obtaining work permits, visas and accomodation. Positions are available in industry, research institutes and universities, consulting firms, labs and other work environments. Placements are for 8 to 12 weeks during the summer and for longer terms throughout the year. IAESTE Canada will not be accepting any new student intake during 2012-13 as the program is currently under review.
Students Without Borders
Students Without Borders (SWB) offers internships in developing countries in a variety of fields. Placements are offered every semester and are updated regularly. Students taking part in a SWB internship would be eligible for an International Co-op Award to help cover travel expenses. Students participating in an international work term to a developing country to work for a not-for-profit are eligible to apply for the C.A.R.E. SFU Global Travel Award.
Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK)
This program was established in 2008 as a government initiative to increase accessibility to quality English education in rural areas. As a TaLK scholar, you will lead after-school English classes at a public elementary school for only 15 hours a week. You will have the freedom to create your own lesson plans and have plenty of time to engage in culturally-edifying activities sponsored by the provincial offices of education.
Join over 2,000 scholars who have been through this unique teaching and service-learning scholarship program and make a meaningful contribution to the international community.
For more information regarding TaLK, click here.
The Canada-Japan Co-op Program
The Canada-Japan Co-op Program is a Canadian university/college based international co-op/internship program that links some of the best undergraduate engineering, science, business and arts students with highly committed Japanese businesses.
