Finding International Work
There are multiple benefits to working abroad and a number of different avenues you can take when conducting a search for International Work. However, remember that any International Employment that you find must be approved by your Co-op Advisor before you will receive official credit for your work term abroad.
That being said, there are a number of resources available to assist you in your search. Perhaps you have family overseas, or a connection through a church or community organization that you volunteer with who know of an employment opportunity that you are qualified for. There may be an opportunity for you to return to a previous employer that has an office in another country where you can work for a co-op term. There are multiple organizations that are willing to work with CECA/Waterloo students in providing cutting edge and challenging educational opportunities. Keep in mind that if you are granted employment abroad, that you go as an Ambassador of University of Waterloo, and represent the high calibre of students who make up our thriving Co-operative Education program.
The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience - Canadian students who are currently in full-time attendance at a university or college in Canada studying engineering, technical sciences, or technologies such as architecture, agriculture, and forestry can be placed abroad through IAESTE Canada. Take note of eligibility criteria, application procedures, salaries, and fees.
Where to Begin
There are a wide variety of resources available for International Employment
opportunities. As a first place to start, you can obtain general information
on working abroad on the Centre for Career
Action website.
Another valuable resource is Jean-Marc Hachey’s book "The Big Guide to Living
and Working Overseas" (2008 Edition). This book is available to purchase
online or at Chapter's/Indigo. In this book, Hachey provides comprehensive
and thorough information for those who are in search of International Employment
opportunities. By providing career advise, “how to” sections on writing
an International Resume and techniques that will enhance your marketability
to employers, you will find the most up to date information and list of
contacts for employment opportunities around the globe! Included in his
book is an extensive list of contact information for NGO's, jobs by region
and discipline and other employment resources.
Another valuable resource is a large
list of websites including specific organizations that previous students
have had success with.
If you want up to date and current information on International Work Term
experiences of others, check out the student
profile from a student who has completed a work term in New Zealand.
One of the best ways to learn how others have found work is to hear their
stories. One student has written "A
Student's Perspective" on the benefits and challenges of an international
work term. It is advised that you take a quick read through this essay so
you know how to chart your own course.
International Employment Opportunities:
From time to time, certain organizations will have job opportunities available to a wide variety of disciplines and varying in duration. Perhaps you are interested in a short volunteer program working with children in another county, are interested in business, health care or human rights and wish to build your International Work Experience. Here are some International Employment Opportunities that may be of interest to you. Please review each organization's information carefully in order to assess your suitability, the application criteria, dates and deadlines, fees and compensation etc.
Disclaimer: These International Employment Opportunities may not necessarily be suitable (in terms of both duration and job quality) for an official co-op work term. In some cases, the duration of the job is only for a few weeks, and may not be paid positions. Please note that before you can receive official credit for a work term, you must obtain approval of the job from your Co-op Advisor.
Note: Any inquiries regarding the International Employment Opportunities posted on this site must be made directly to the Company that is hiring.
Miscellaneous International Employment Opportunities:
2. Nexos Voluntarios (NeVo):
or email xquerol@nexosvoluntarios.org
or
cbenavides@nexosvoluntarios.org
3. Connect-123 Internship and Volunteer Programs in Cape Town - Facilitates career-related internship and service learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in Cape Town, South Africa in a wide range of fields including business, public health, medicine, education, economic development, human rights, and journalism
4. Summer Internship in Germany
- CDS International's Summer Internship Program:
** Applications must be received by December 15th for the following Summer
**
5. Internship Program in Argentina
- CDS International's Summer Internship Program:
6. Monash Professional
Internships (located in Australia)
7. EURO Scholars European Undergraduate
Research Opportunities
8. C3 Internships - Conservation
Placements in the Indian Ocean islands:
9. The
Carter Center Internship Program
10. International Career Advancement Placements (ICAP) with Canadem:
http://www.canademvolunteers.com/home.html
or
11. Shanghai BSK Academy & Shanghai Branch of China Center for International Educational Exchange
12. Cultural Embrace - Intern and Work
13. The Government of Canada - Canadian
High Commission Internship (in Australia):
14. DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service
15. Unpaid and paid internships in Australia - Borch Leeman
CECA has compiled other lists of information for those who are considering a work term abroad. To view this additional information, please refer to this link and select the "Other Schools" and "General Resources" sections.
Many other schools do not offer co-op in a similar style to Waterloo, yet encourage their students to seek experiences abroad. The opportunities they list on their sites are not necessarily exclusive to any school and do not necessarily offer the kind of experience that would be suitable for co-op credit. These links are provided for your information only and it is essential that you discuss any potential employment with your Co-op Advisor if you hope to have it count for co-op credit at Waterloo.