What are Co op Courses?

Employers are investing in cooperative courses to teach and ultimately hire students in (STEM) programs from Canada to India to the United States. A university, an employer, and a student form a three-way relationship in co-op education. A co-op job is similar to a paid internship in which students collaborate with professionals in their fields of study while earning a salary. Read through the blog to know what are co op courses and their requisites. 

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What are Co-op Courses?

Co op education, often known as cooperative education, is a course that allows you to obtain real-world experience in a field connected to your studies. Most co-op courses are designed so that each term or semester of school is followed by a term or semester of work. A work term is a period of time spent working outside of school.  

Top Benefits of Co-op Courses 

Now that you know what co ops are, here are some tips on how to get the most out of such a comprehensive course: 

• One significant benefit of co-op courses is that you obtain valuable work experience in your area of study, as evidenced by everything you’ve learned so far. Students not only get to learn but you also get paid!
• You can enhance your professional abilities and obtain a greater grasp of how work is actually done.
• Once you begin working, you will be able to determine if the career is a good fit for you and learn about your primary skills in the sector.
• You will be able to expand your network and meet important people in the industry who will help you achieve your career goals after graduation.
• When your peers are only completing their semesters, you have the opportunity to travel, meet new people, interact, and learn all at the same time!

Eligibility for Co-op Courses

Below mentioned are the eligibility criteria for the applicants for co-op courses: 

• Students must have a 3.0 GPA throughout the academic year and have completed all prerequisite courses in their study program. 
• Once admission into the co-op program is confirmed, international students must apply for a co-op work permit. Other technicalities may be needed depending on your university. 
• To be eligible for co-op courses in Canada, students must have a valid study permit and can apply for a co-op or intern work permit. In order to complete your studies in Canada, you will need to work.
• In order to engage in co-op courses in the USA, international students on an F-1 visa must receive work authorisation, often known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT permits F-1 visa holders to work in the United States as long as it is a required element of their studies. 

Documents Required 

International students must possess the following documents if they are applying for the co op courses in Canada:

• Letter from your work department confirming the mandatory nature of the work experience.
• Valid study permit. 
• The employment in question is a requirement of your program.
• The employment must constitute less than 50% of your program.

Co-op requirements for international students applying in the USA are: 

• International students are required to obtain a work authorization on an F-1 visa known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). 

How to Apply 

Below mentioned is the online application process for international students applying for co op work permits as well as study permits: 

Step 1: Visit the apply online application page of the desired country immigration website and fill out the “Check your eligibility to apply questionnaire”. Complete the questionnaire and at the end of it, you will be provided with the documents checklist. 

Step 2: Print the document checklist and write down the personal reference code provided on it. This is needed in order to initiate your co-op work permit application through your account. 

Step 3: Sign in to your account and refer to steps for instructions. 

Step 5: Upload the required documents. 

Step 6: Pay the required fees. 

Step 7: Wait to receive your study permit or work permit. 

Top Universities for Co op Courses in Canada

Here is a list of top universities in Canada that offer co-op courses: 

• University of Waterloo 
• University of Quebec
• Simon Fraser University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Victoria
• Centennial College
• University of Calgary 
• University of Ottawa
• University of Alberta

Top Universities for Co op Courses in USA

Check out the below-mentioned prominent universities in the USA that provide co-op courses to international students: 

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• Duke University
• Elon University
• Drexel University
• Purdue University – West Lafayette 
• Northwestern University 
• University of Cincinnati
• George Washington University
• Northeastern University

How to Find Co op Positions?

Finding a co op position is competitive in the same way that finding a regular job is. If you are looking for a co op position, here are a few options available. 

• Online Listings: University databases are an excellent place to begin your search. Along with maintaining your regular academic workload, you must adjust your resume, apply for certain opportunities, and go through interviews with employers. 
• Networking: You can inquire about job-seeking co-op student support as well as any additional services accessible to overseas students. Students might believe that having a high GPA is one of the first things an employer looks for. Although a high GPA is required for some occupations, such as those in science or finance, the majority of companies seek relevant coursework and projects.

FAQs 

We hope that this blog has provided you with all of the required information on the Coop Courses. If you need professional career advice, contact the specialists at Leverage Edu, who will guide you through every step and ensure your admission to a preferred university abroad! 

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