Check out the Career Services Events Calendar for current employer info sessions on campus.
Science Co-op For
Working Abroad
International experience helps students become more independent and teaches valuable life skills that aren't taught in the classroom.
You'll also get the opportunity to see the world, experience different cultures and make new friends. Depending on your discipline, there are opportunities in Asia, Europe and the United States.
Safety Abroad Registry and Pre-departure Learning Modules
Students who are working outside of Canada must complete the Safety Abroad Registry and Pre-departure Learning Modules before leaving. Links to both are located at:
www.students.ubc.ca/global/safety-abroad/students/
The registry helps UBC to stay connected with you during your time away from the country. You will also gain valuable information by completing the learning modules before departure. The module contains the latest travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT).
Resources for International Job Search
Many students participate in the following programs to increase their chances of landing a placement outside of Canada.
Co-op Japan
The Co-op Japan Program (CJP) coordinates summer placements annually. It is a Canadian university/college based, international co-op/internship program linking some of the best engineering, science, business and arts discipline undergraduate students from across the country with highly committed Japanese businesses. The Co-op Japan Program formally integrates an undergraduate student's Canadian academic studies with valuable work experience in a Japanese company. The program is open to universities and colleges nationally and is currently administered from The University of British Columbia.
Students apply in September. More information will be available in September 2013.
The United States
If you want to work in the United States, there are a couple of programs that can help. Each program has its own requirements, fees and timelines. Please refer to their websites for more information.
Cultural Vistas: Cultural Vistas International Co-op Programs facilitate internships in the U.S. for international and Canadian co-op students by sponsoring the J-1 visa and providing ongoing support throughout the internship period.
Association for International Practical Training: For international students, an AIPT program is often a much-needed first chance to experience and become familiar with U.S. culture and business practices.
Going Global
Going Global offers a resourceful database of job opportunities around the world. This site contains individual country profiles and provide employment trends in different industries. To access Going Global, login to CareersOnline through UBC Career Services. The shortcut to Going Global can be found at the bottom right hand corner.
Other International Placements
IAESTE is an international student exchange program, which allows you to work in any of the member countries. Located in 80 countries, it is an independent, non-governmental program, with consultative relationships to UNESCO, UN Economic and Social Council, UN Industrial Development Organization, the ILO, and other bodies. More than 6,500 Canadian students have benefited from the program. Canadian employers have been supplied with well-qualified technical assistance from other countries and developed contacts for present and future business connections. Most students would participate in IAESTE Program in the summer. Application time usually happens around late November of each year. Please contact the co-op office if you wish to acquire more information. IAESTE can also assist students in getting a work permit to work overseas.
Other Destinations
Want to go somewhere not on the list? Talk to your coordinator! It's important to to be prepared and know what to expect while on an international work placement. The UBC Go Global website gives very thorough predeparture online workshops on health and wellness, risk and saftey, academic planning, travel, money matters, and cultural adjustment. Read through this resource before the start of your work term.
