International
Co-op is about the exchange of knowledge and ideas. We work with employers from around the world and support students from international pathways as they gain work experience in and outside of Canada.
See where co-op could take you
A work term outside Canada can connect you with truly unique experiences.
Check out students' stories to see where some of the places they've worked outside Canada.
See the StoryMapInternational students
As a student from an international pathway, you can take part in co-op to gain paid work experience, including roles with Canadian and international companies.
Co-op work permits
You can apply for a co-op work permit to work legally in Canada if:
- you are admitted to a co-op program
- you have a study permit for the length of your work term
Co-op work permits can be used for co-op positions that are part of your degree program—they are different than off-campus work permits.
To apply for a co-op work permit:
- complete the request for a co-op letter form and send it to your co-op program office
- we’ll send you an email with a digital co-op letter within 5 business days
- use this letter to apply for a co-op work permit
- once you receive your co-op work permit, contact your co-op office to let them know
- before you start a work term, you’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) so you can be paid
Contact UVic’s International Centre for Students for help.
Support at UVic
There are many ways that UVic can support your journey. Consider:
- joining the UVic Global Community
- learning about living in Canada
- staying up-to-date on travel information
Working outside Canada
Doing a co-op term outside of Canada lets you:
- experience a new country
- earn money while you travel
- develop your cultural intelligence (CQ)
Find work outside Canada:
- Search the Co-op and Career portal for international jobs (including these five international streams)
- Arrange your own opportunity—find postings on GoinGlobal
- Already on an academic exchange? Join the local Canadian Chamber of Commerce to connect with Canadian companies overseas
Before your work term
Before you leave on a work term outside Canada, you'll need to:
- Take the pre-departure course: You'll be registered in this course once you confirm your co-op work term.
- Complete UVic's travel checklist.*NOTE: 'Sign a UVic waiver' is not required as it is covered in the TakeFlight pre-departure course.
- Get workplace insurance: You'll need to set up workplace insurance whether you'll be working outside of Canada or working remotely.
- Get the right work permit:
- See if Canada has a mobility agreement with the country you'll be working in and look up the work permit application process for that country.
- Explore and apply for funding opportunities to support your international experience.
Working in the USA
You’ll need to apply for a J-1 visa. You can apply for a reduced rate through Cultural Vistas (answer 'CEWIL' on the question asking where you learned about the rate). Contact Cultural Visas for support.
Resources to support you working outside Canada
- a guide to working in a country outside Canada
- essential information for Canadian travellers
- large-scale emergencies abroad
- taxation for Canadians travelling
- travel vaccinations
- travelling with medication
- cellphones and computers abroad
- Her Way: A Woman’s Safe Guide to Travel
- LGBTQ2 travel support
- Passport Canada
- UVic-wide funding for outbound students
- co-op-specific funding opportunities
- cost of living worldwide (Numbeo)
After your work term
Within a month after your return to UVic, you'll attend a debriefing session with the international co-op and career coordinator.
Share your story on StoryMap
StoryMaps is an online storytelling tool that allows you to easily create compelling interactive content that combines maps, multimedia and text.
It can be used to share stories about your co-op abroad, capture memories and inspire future student to engage in an international co-op term.
Creating and sharing your co-op abroad story is easy with StoryMaps.
Watch this brief video on how to get started, create a free account and start telling your unique exchange story. You could:
- Share your job title, organization and tasks
- Describe some highlights of your work experience – what key skills did you gain?
- Share any stories of cultural encounters, such as a local tradition, a favourite dish, or a festival that left a lasting impact
- Share any challenges you encountered (for example, language barriers and cultural differences) and how you applied your cultural intelligence to address them
- Provide tips to other students considering an international co-op experience
- Share your biggest takeaway from this experience
Once you have published your story – share the link with us (and your friends and family of course)!
With your permission, we will highlight your StoryMap on our UVic International StoryMap and on social media!
If you have used an alternative mode to capture your experience such as a blog, vlog, padlet or photo diary, let us know - we are happy to link it to our map!
Connect with the international co-op coordinator
Sarah McQuillan is the international co-op and career coordinator. She can help you:
- connect with co-op employers outside Canada
- prepare for your work term
- secure work permits and visa (for international students)
- access funding