Work experience for international students in the USA and Canada

Choosing to combine your university degree studies with work will give you a head start in the job market. Internships and cooperative education are both great career preparation and hands-on opportunities for international students studying at US and Canadian universities.

Work experience during your degree

Experience gained through cooperative (co-op) education and internships makes your resume stand out to employers, but will also help you decide if a career is right for you. You will get valuable first-hand experience and be able to apply what you've learned in a real-world situation. Generally you need to achieve good grades to apply for co-op or internship positions.

Internships

All of the universities on this website offer internship opportunities. Internships provide valuable experience in your field of study and are sometimes eligible for credit towards your degree. Internships tend to be pre-professional with close supervision from practicing professionals. They are usually unpaid and involve a single period of work. You will often undertake an internship in the summer session.

• Internships are encouraged at Royal Roads University, James Madison University and Long Island University.

Cooperative education

Many universities we work with offer cooperative education programs, commonly known as 'co-op' education, where work becomes an integral part of your degree. You can be eligible to combine university education with practical off-campus work experience. Co-op education gives you the opportunity to earn academic credit while getting paid to do a job related to your studies.

• Co-op education opportunities are available at Long Island University.

What's the difference between co-ops and internships?