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Co-operative Education

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Carolyn smiling with co-workers; digging a fireguard for a controlled burn
Try Before You Buy

Many are aware of the multitude of benefits Co-operative Education has to offer. However, some fail to consider the less obvious but equally important advantages.  Co-op is a significant means of determining where you belong and where you fit in the world of work.

person sitting on a cliff with their fist raised to their air in success
Taking a Risk Pays Off Internationally

Working internationally can open new career doors, offer opportunities to travel, and even lead to a permanent position - just ask Safia Kassam, SFU Kinesiology Co-op student.

Giraffe's in the Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert in the Summertime

SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB)  In this article, the second in the series, Kayla shares her experience of heat stroke in the Kalahari Desert.

a hospice bed
Postcards From Botswana 1 - Working in a Hospice with HIV/AIDS patients

SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB). In this article, the first of a series, Kayla shares her insights, experiences and reflections of working in a Hospice with HIV/AIDS patients in Gaborone, Botswana.

Neil and children he was working with
Notes from Ghana: Warming Up

SFU Co-op student Neil Nunn may be the one grain of rice that can tip the scale toward improving the earth. His determination shines through both of his self-directed work terms: first with Nechako Reforestation in Prince George and most recently working in Ghana with a local community school.

    Picture of little Ghanaian girl at school and a sign that reads "Improving the Earth"
    Educating Women

    Neil Nunn, a third year Geography student specializing in environmental studies is passionate about environmental, developmental and social justice issues. In this article, the second of a series, Neil discusses the issue of deforestation and shares his co-op adventures at a community school in Ghana.

    Little Ghanaian girl holding a little plant, a sign that reads "Improving the Earth"
    Helping the Environment

    Neil Nunn, a third year Geography student specializing in environmental studies is passionate about environmental, developmental and social justice issues. In this article, the second of a series, Neil discusses the issue of deforestation and shares his co-op adventures at a community school in Ghana.

    Children in Ghana on the left side, a sign that says "Improving the Earth" on the right.
    Life of Children in Sega

    Neil Nunn, a third-year Geography student specializing in environmental studies is passionate about environmental, developmental and social justice issues. In this article, the second of a series, Neil discusses the issue of deforestation and shares his co-op adventures at a community school in Ghana.

    a woman smiling in a meeting
    What's Your Biggest Question About the World of Work?

    The Canada Prospects Youth Research Team crossed the country to discover what job seekers like you need to know about employment in Canada. Read on to learn the answers to your most common questions.

    Skyscape of Tokyo
    Ly's International Co-op Story

    Ly Viet Vu recently completed his undergraduate degree in the field of Computing Science.  Ly shares how his term with Co-op Japan altered his career path, providing him with the confidence to relocate to Viet Nam and establish his own business.

    A person sitting down while thinking in front of an orange wall.
    The International Co-op Award: A Bit of Help for Your Placement Abroad

    If you're interested in an international Co-op internship experience, you'll be happy to hear that there are resources available to help you finance your trip.  International Co-op Coordinator Amy Lee answers questions about the International Co-op Award.

    Sanaz smiling in front of Big Ben in London
    Sanaz Takes on Germany | Part One

    From weekend getaways to the Alps, to challenging engineering work for Daimler, Sanaz Jahanbakhsh had an amazing experience on her international co-op term in Germany. Read on to find out more about the work placement that put her time-management, communication skills and travel savvy to the test.

    Sanaz standing in front of view of valley
    Sanaz Takes on Germany | Part Two

    On her 6 month international co-op term, based in Sindelfingen, Germany, Sanaz Jahanbakhsh worked on a sophisticated electro-engineering project for Daimler. Find out how her work has contributed to an effort that will save lives on the road.

    Okavango delta, botswana; sunset over water
    Working in a Hospice with HIV/AIDS patients

    SFU Kinesiology student Kayla Donnawell is in Botswana, Africa volunteering with the Students Without Borders program (SWB)  In this article, the first of a series, Kayla shares her insights, experiences and reflections of working in a Hospice with HIV/AIDS patients in Gaborone, Botswana.

    two people sitting next to each other; one is sitting profesionally, the other is more relaxed and slumped over
    Make This Work Term Your Best!

    Make a great first impression at your new workplace by following some of the tips provided by Co-op staff. It’s your time to shine so make this work term your best!

    A group of people in a conference
    Working Internationally: How I got to spend 6 months in the Caribbean...and got paid!

    Like most grads, I wanted to see the world after I finished my degree. But with student loan debt and not a lot of savings, I knew that I would have to work and travel in order to fulfil my dream of seeing the world!

    Adam smiling with a fish in hand: picture on the right is of an inukshuk
    Challenges and Benefits of an Out-of-town Co-op

    Adam Keizer, an Environmental Science major, was one of the nominees for the 2006 SFU Co-op Student of the year.  In the following article, Adam provides a personal account of his experience on a Co-op term in the rocky tundra of the far north, housed in a camp with only thirty other people.

    person filling out a physical job application
    Why You Must Apply

    While life in Kootenays may bear the reputation of being laid back, Co-op student Adam Brayford finds that within the realm of emergency communications, the province's warmer region is abuzz with activity.

    person turning on their car radio
    Called Back from Vacation

    Interviewing frequently with TV, radio and print news media, seeing the province’s most beautiful locations by plane or helicopter, taking part in a job where the stakes are high and the responsibility is great: Highlights of the BC Forest Service Co-op experience. Check out a day in the life of a Fire Information Officer.

    Adam
    Making the Most of Your Co-op Education: A Senior Co-op Student's Perspective

    Co-op has sent me touring the province of BC in a branded Toyota Prius, pouring my creativity into written works at SFU Burnaby, and soon, it will send me to Southeastern BC where I will practice Media Relations. For me, this has resulted from fully taking advantage of all the services SFU Co-op has to offer. Read on to hear my tips on having a successful Co-op experience.

    China
    International Spotlight: China!

    Not only does China have a fantastic reputation for employing many Simon Fraser University co-op students each year, this global giant has a culture steeped in superstition and lore.

    Man sitting with a laptop
    Co-op How-to: International Self-Directed Work Search

    Do you have a specific country you would like to live and work in? Is there a specific language that you would like to learn? If you have specific international intentions, a self-directed International Co-op is  likely the best fit for you. Read on to find out how you can begin searching for a self-directed work term.

    A picture of Nile with people around
    By the Nile: A Student's Experience in Rural Africa

    The OLC happily presents the following as Craig Vandermeer’s first interview with the OLC after his return from Uganda Fall Semester 2010. Having finished his undergrad at Carleton University with a degree in Political Science, he is continuing his education here at SFU in the International Studies Master’s program.

    Kerri and her host family
    And So It Comes to an End

    In her final edition to the series, Kerri Jang finds herself reminiscing about her top memorable moments in Moldova. From an all-night fishing trip to at times being the only person of Asian descent on the scene, Kerri heads home with more than just memories.

    Farmland Moldovan
    My Care Placement in the Village

    Journey through Moldova with BPK student Kerri Jang in this five part series. In this article, Kerri moves from the city into a village in Moldova, she finds herself surrounded by animals and fruit trees as she lives with a host family, while organizing wheelchair basketball and tennis through The Motivatie Association.

    Large concrete building in the middle of two rows of trees
    A Look into My First Real-Life Surgical Experience

    Journey through Moldova with BPK student Kerri Jang in this five part series. In this article, Kerri was able to observe her first real-life surgery. Read on to find out what this experience was like! 

    Church
    My Medical Placement in the City

    Part two of the series finds Kerri Jang, volunteer with Projects Abroad, spending time in a city of parallels; Chisinau, in Moldova. Having never experienced a surgery before, Kerri ventures into unknown territory during her adventures in some of the city's hospitals.

    Children in colourful clothing playing a game
    Reflecting on a Life-Changing Co-op Term

    In the fourth and final entry of her series, Kali reflects on her final weeks in India working at Destiny and the Socio Legal Aid and Research Training Centre, as well as taking time to travel and appreciate all that India has to offer before heading home to Canada.

    Kali surrounded by women
    Getting Comfortable in Kolkata

    In the third entry of her series, Kali is getting comfortable with the daily routines of living and working in Kolkata, India. Through her research into adolescent health, she developed and delivered workshops for young women on nutrition and exercise.

    smiling woman from Kolkata, hand on her forehead
    Learning Indian Lessons

    In the second installment of her series, Kali encounters some of the challenges of an international Co-op term. Find out how her determination led her to an amazing experience with Socio Legal Aid and Research Training Centre in India.

    Kerri posing in front of some lush greenery
    And So It Begins...

    Journey through Moldova, a small country situated between Romania and Ukraine with Kerri Jang as she volunteers with a medical project in Moldova's capital and a care project in the nearby village of Vadul lui Voda this five part series. In this article, Kerri begins her journey in Moldova! 

    a part of the Kolkata city line
    Arrival in Kolkata, India

    Kali Penney had three missions when she left on her volunteer co-op to India; to survive living in a developing country for 3 months, to learn about major health issues in Kolkata, India, and to complete work that will have a continuing impact long after she has left the country. In her first article, Kali recounts her arrival in India and introduction to the local culture.

    Gateway of India Monument in Mumbai (Bombay)
    Sheena Takes On the Mumbai Marketing Scene

    In her third year as a Communication major, Sheena Rupani returns home to Mumbai, India and proves that an SFU student has what it takes to compete on the international marketing scene. In a setting where high stakes rely on time management and clear cross-cultural communication, this international co-op celebrity takes self-directed study to the next level.

    Australia
    International Spotlight: Australia!

    Whisk your imagination off to the world’s smallest continent and the sixth largest land mass on Earth. Not to mention a great place to do a Co-op semester. Meet: Australia!

    jessica before the co-op make over
    The Co-op Career Makeover: A Student's Journey from Drab to High Profile

    Is your career portfolio feeling a little outdated? Tune in to a local makeover phenomenon that's taking the job market by storm: SFU Co-op. Communication Major Jessica Doherty knows first hand what co-op can do for building confidence, contacts, and a killer resume. Read on to follow her on her journey from drab to high profile.

    Laura in a canoe
    My Summer In Whistler

    For Laura Lush's fourth Co-op work-term she had the opportunity to work with Tamwood International College in beautiful Whistler, BC. Read about her experience here.

    Japan building
    Co-op Japan: 9-month Internship at NTT, Yokosuka, Japan

    Co-op Japan: 9 months in Japan can seem like a long time away from the comforts of SFU. But as we all know, if you’re having fun, time flies. For Duncan Chan, all he saw was time fly as he experienced life in Japan like no other. He worked his Co-op work terms, developed friendships, and gained new skills he can utilize in the future – everything he did in Japan was that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and he took it until the very end.

    David
    Working For the Feds: An Interview with CIDA’s Executive Vice President, David Moloney

    Read about David Moloney, the Executive Vice President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and someone who "“…can’t decide what he wants to do when he grows up,” as he shares with us his experience working in government.  

    Students
    Extra! Extra! SFU Co-op Students Featured in Hong Kong News

    Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) is known as a hub for innovation and technology in Asia. The following article is a translated excerpt from Takungpao, featuring Simon Fraser University students on international work terms at HKSTP.

    Autumn staring out into the distance, with a view of Peruvian mountains in the background
    Scholarly Adventures in Peru

    Q  & A's with Autumn Mochinski, a student who participated in a funded  international placement with the PAHO/ WHO to prepare an assessment of social  determinants and health and Tuberculosis in Lima, Peru.

    picture of a lighthouse in the distance
    Canadian Co-op Adventure

    Tired of the same ol Vancouver scene?  Want to travel, but think you cant because your student bank account is plummeting somewhere in the negatives?  If you said yes to both these questions, sounds like youre suffering from a classic case of travel bug blues.  But dont worry, theres a simple solution to your ailment.  Start searching for co-op jobs out of town!

     

    Switzerland
    International Spotlight: Switzerland!

    While Switzerland is a great place to travel and eat, its more than just a land of cheese, chocolates, and msli! Its also a great place to work and study, allowing students gain experiences of a lifetime!

    Kamil on the phone, looking at the camera
    Survival Guide 101: Keys to Office Survival

    Welcome to Office Life 101. A wealth of friendly advice for the first time or inexperienced co-op student, and some advice as to what is required of you to not only survive, but to flourish in an office environment.

    Mila writing on a white board
    Mila Lukic: A Co-op Student's Success Story

    Mila Lukic, who immigrated to Canada from Serbia with her family at age 16, convocated this June with a B.Sc. in molecular biology, biochemistry and business administration with First Class honours. During her time at SFU, she completed four Co-op work terms including an international placement in Scotland for the Encouraging Global Dynamic Entrepreneurs (EDGE) program. Learn more about her achievements and experiences here.

    Stephanie sitting at a desk typing
    Opting for the Extracurricular: An Interview with PR Exec Stephanie Vicic

    Trying to decide whether devoting your time to a club or professional association is right for you? Public Relations Executive, IABC member and former Communication Co-op student Stephanie Vicic gives insight into the value of pursuing the extracurricular. Read on!

     

    Image of Josh in the office with VANOC mascot stuffies
    Josh Pablo, Results System Tester for VANOC

    Classroom, volunteer and Co-op experience led SFU Alumus Josh Pablo to an exciting and challenging position with VANOC, preparing for the 2010 Olympic Games. Read on for more about Josh’s road to 2010 and for more on volunteering for VANOC.

    Ryan Schmidt
    Treaty Negotiations with INAC

    Being an arts and social sciences student means having a vast variety of career options open to us. One of them being a treaty negotiator at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)! Read Ryan's blog to find out more about what this position entails. 

    Ryan Kitching
    Flying the Coop: A Change of Pace in Ottawa

    Through Arts Co-op, I landed a position which has helped me bridge the gap between education and the workforce, and has also provided me with valuable experience working in the Canadian public service.

    picture of kaili smiling
    Kaili Rand: A Co-op Student's Success Story

    Upon graduation in June 2008, Kaili Rand had achieved the highest cumulative GPA in her faculty, maintained a balance between her schoolwork and volunteering, and has been accepted into medical school. Did I also mention she’s a Co-op student?

    Netherlands
    International Spotlight: Hallo en Welkom in Nederland!

    Famous for its windmills, clogs, bicycles, tulips and liberal policies, the Netherlands is a fantastic destination for students to gain work experience in one of the leading European economies!

    France
    International Spotlight: France!

    Enrich your life experiences while working on an international Co-op placement. Learn life-long skills that French culture offers which can be transferred into the Canadian work environment and education.

    people walking across the AQ during graduation
    Alex Briede: A Co-op Student's Success Story

    Alex Briede, a Molecular Biology and Biochemistry student, convocated this June. Along with his BSc, he received a Co-op designation on his degree for his five Co-op work terms! Read all about his experiences and why he recommends joining the Co-op program.

    Person standing in front of a sunset with their arms opened wide
    Memories of Boot Camp

    When Adam accepted the position of Fire Information Officer for the BC Forest Service, he knew that the job might entail long hours, a steep learning curve and a major lifestyle adjustment. What he did not know was that the whole experience would set off with a week at firefighter boot camp. Read Adams story about surviving bootcamp. 

    Mexico
    International Spotlight: Mexico!

    México is a popular travel spot due to its lovely beaches and vibrant culture. It’s also an amazing destination for Co-op! Read all about it in this segment of the International Spotlight series!