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International Co-op Unlock your potential working abroad! A handbook to guide y

International Co-op Unlock your potential working abroad! A handbook to guide you before, during and after your international co-op work experience. Work Term Guide for Co-operative Education Section 1: Deciding Where to Go 1. What to Expect: Planning and Looking for a Job 2. Selecting the Country 3. Where to Go 4. Studying and Doing a Work Term Abroad 5. When is the Best Time to Go 6. Finding a Job 6.1 Special Programs for Co-op Students 6.1.1 AIESEC 6.1.2 Going Global 6.1.3 SWAP 6.1.4 Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) 6.1.5 CDS International 6.2 Evaluating Job Opportunities 6.3 Interview Methodology 6.4 Accepting a Job Offer 6.5 Policy on Student Travel 6.6 Researching the Company Before Leaving 7. International Travel Stipend 8. Banking Abroad 9. The BIG Guide to Living and Working Overseas Section 2: Getting Ready to Go 1. International Youth Program 2. Legally Required Documents 3. Supplemental Health Care Insurance 4. Housing 5. Airline Tickets 6. Discount Cards 7. Money Matters 8. Vaccinations 9. Packing Tips 10. Useful Travel Books 11. Steps Before Going Abroad Table of Contents Section 3: While You Are There 1. Keeping in Touch with Family and the Institute for Co-operative Education 2. Registering with the Embassy 3. Transportation 4. Leisure and Recreation 5. Cross-Cultural Adaptation 6. Work Site Visit 7. Work Term Report and Employer Evaluation 8. What to Do in Case of Emergency 9. Other Things to Consider Section 4: Coming Back: Things to Do 1. Extending or Shortening your Work Term 2. Health Insurance 3. Re-entry Adaptation 4. Giving Back References Appendices Appendix I Policy on Student Travel Appendix II Statement of registration, Responsibility and Waiver for a Concordia University Academic Travel program Appendix III Sample Itinerary Section 1 Deciding Where to Go This section covers the beginning of the international work term process. It includes aspects of deciding where to go, when to go and how to find a job abroad. Section 1: Deciding Where to Go 1. What to Expect: Planning and Looking for a Job Every year, thousands of Canadians go abroad to gain international work experience. This not only enables them to better compete in multicultural societies, but also to gain better knowledge of themselves and the world around them. Going abroad is a great challenge. Everything, including the location, the people, the culture, the weather, and even the food, is different. This enriching experience makes you stronger and helps you learn how to adjust rapidly to new environments. The world is changing faster than ever, and there is an urgent need for people to be able to adapt successfully. It is for this reason that we encourage you to go abroad, explore new cultures and develop your potential. When faced with new situations, you might be completely amazed at what you can do and how you react. It may help you develop some of your qualities and allow you to discover others that have been with you all along. The main objective of this document is to help guide you through every step of your international co-op work term. However, during the process, you might find new things to do and information that is specific to your situation that are not included in this guide. This guide is meant to be more general in nature, and is only a starting point. We therefore encourage you to do additional research, organize yourself and exercise due diligence in order to have a smooth transition to your work term abroad. Your adventure starts now! “Going abroad isn't an easy task, and that is one of the main reasons that I chose to go abroad... for the challenge.” David Van Actuarial Mathematics International Work Term in France If you want to get more motivated about going abroad, read “What in the World is Going On?” by Alan Cumyn at http://www.destineducation.ca/pdfs/witwigo_e.pdf. “Working overseas was the greatest learning experience of my career as a co-op student. As an engineering student, I was used to straightforward quantitative problems. Working in international development allowed me to apply these problem-solving skills in a qualitative context. I had an opportunity to test my abilities and push myself to the limit. No local experience can be as rewarding and challenging. I grew as an individual as well as a professional.” Alain Chung Computer Engineering International Work Term in Burkina Faso 2. Selecting the Country “Wisdom is found in those who take advice.” You may want to go to a country because it is popular or has somehow piqued your general interest. While these are valid reasons, it is important to do your own research before selecting the country of destination. You may find wonderful things in countries that you would never have otherwise considered as a potential destination. Therefore, our suggestion is that you do your research! Things to consider when selecting a country Language In many multinational companies the language of work is English; however, fluency in the official language of the country may be required to apply for some jobs. You must keep in mind that language is the tool that allows you to communicate with people outside of the workplace. If you take a look back, what would you do differently? “I would have started learning German before going or have signed up for a German course here.” David Cyr Biochemistry International Work Term in Germany RISE Body Language Across Cultures “While living and working in a foreign country, do your best to learn the local customs and non-verbal cues. This demonstrates your respect for the local culture, and will help you communicate more effectively with others.” Knowing how to read gestures is beneficial and can reduce confusion when interacting with others abroad. Properly interpreting a facial gesture can help you respond to a situation accurately. For example, in almost every country, shaking one’s head from side to side usually means “no,” yet in Bulgaria, this non-verbal cue indicates agreement. Similarly, in countries such as Pakistan and India this gesture could mean “you are welcome” or “bye.” As you can see, a simple gesture can mean many different things. Weather and Geography “After living in Canada, the temperature is not a problem anymore.” Not all countries have the same weather. Believe it or not, some do not even have seasons! For example, countries close to the equator have the same weather all year round. Depending on where you go, you might find that certain weather conditions may affect you. Keep in mind that factors such as altitude, the level of oxygen in the air and temperature extremes can have an impact on the human body. Individuals with medical concerns should be especially aware of a new country’s climate. But do not worry, most people will adapt to their new climate in time. Religion and Culture Every country has its own religion and traditions. It is very important to be respectful and knowledgeable when it comes to this topic. Making what you consider to be harmless comments or wearing certain clothing could entail very real consequences, depending on the city you are in. Therefore, before arriving at your destination, know and understand its cultural and religious traditions so that you are prepared. To find out more about the culture of your host country, visit the link below. Under Country Profiles (on the left-hand menu), you can select the country and then click Country Insights to learn some amazing facts about the culture that even the natives may not know about. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/ Before your departure, you should read up on some of the following topics: how to handle conversations and conflicts inside and outside the work place, communication styles, displays of emotion, dress code, punctuality, formality and stereotypes. Having an understanding of these types of things will help you become aware of what are considered good manners, which in the end can prevent unintentional but serious mistakes. If you have some free time, do the Intercultural Effectiveness Test and watch the Example of Cultural Misinterpretation video. It is very interesting! Test link http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/cfsi-icse/cil-cai/intercultural_effectiveness-en.asp?lvl=3 Video link http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/cfsi-icse/cil-cai/what_is_intercultural_effectiveness-en.asp "I believe there is nothing better than working in a culturally diverse environment by exploring what the world has to offer." Luam Ghebremariam Accounting International Work Term in Eritrea History and Traditions Learning about traditional events is definitely one of the best ways to get to know a particular culture. Keep a lookout for traditional events taking place in the area so that you can experience one firsthand. You might even meet new people and make some friends. 3. Where to Go There are countries that have agreements with the Government of Canada in order to simplify the immigration or work permit process. Currently, the following countries are included in these agreements (so you may want to consider them): Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Sweden, and Switzerland. Also, you may want to contemplate going to a country where some of our co-op students have already gone, such as uploads/Litterature/ international-work-term-guide.pdf