Do I Have To Be In The UC Co-Op Program To Do An International Co-Op?

Yes. All students must remain in good standing with the UC co-op program to be eligible for international co-op.

Can I Choose Any Country For International Co-Op?

The International Co-op Program (ICP) is not just an overseas co-op assignment. It is a complete program of preparation and overseas work. To be eligible for overseas placement with the ICP, students must complete the required language and culture courses. Language offerings are German, Japanese, Spanish, and French (mechanical and biomedical engineering only). Students who successfully complete the requirements of the preparation program are eligible for placement in Germany, Japan, Mexico and Chile. Students who prefer to work in other countries that speak German, Japanese, Spanish, or French (mechanical and biomedical engineering only) will be responsible for finding their own job and any additional work or expense involved in the co-op assignment in that location.

Do I Have To Co-Op In Any Particular Section To Be In The ICP?

All students in the program must be on either a co-op or travel quarter during the summer quarter between the third and fourth years of study. This is because the quarter is shortened to accommodate the first intensive language class. The class is a full-time commitment during part of the summer quarter, and would conflict with your regular classes. Students who do not co-op summer quarter during the sophomore and pre-junior years may be able to do a “double section” co-op to get on track with the program.

Architecture students must be participating in the MArch program to participate in ICP. They take intensive language summer between the baccalaureate and masters programs. The international co-op takes place spring/summer of the first year in the graduate program.

Will It Take Longer To Receive My Degree If I Am Admitted To The ICP?

No, the amount of time to complete the baccalaureate degree is the same as the standard co-op program. Students must plan their curriculum carefully; however, to ensure courses taken meet requirements of both the ICP and their individual college.

If I Am Not American Citizen, Am I Eligible To Participate In An ICP?

All students, American and non-American, are eligible to participate in the program and earn a certificate in International Studies (completion of all aspects of the program except the international co-op).

Difficulties are sometimes experienced when attempting to arrange overseas co-op positions, visas, work permits, etc. for non-American students. The possibility of overseas co-op assignments for non-Americans will be determined on an individual basis. In addition to problems with visas and work permits, countries sometimes provide subsidies for American students, which may not be available to non-American students. If placement can be arranged and additional costs normally covered by stipends are incurred, the individual student will be responsible for those costs.

If I Am Fluent In Another Language, Am I Still Required To Take The Language Courses?

A faculty member in the appropriate language department will determine your level of fluency. That person will make the decision about whether all or part of the six-week summer intensive language course can be waived. The other language courses required for the program (fall, winter, and spring) assist students in preparing to work abroad, and will not be waived regardless of the student's level of fluency.

When And Where Do I Take The Language Courses?

German and Japanese language courses are listed in the Learning Opportunities. They are designated each quarter with the words ICP. Register just like any other UC course. They are listed under the language area for College of Arts and Sciences listings.

• The first intensive language course is held during the last six weeks of the summer quarter following your third year. The summer co-op quarter is shortened to accommodate the intensive language, which meets Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Architecture students take the intensive course during summer of the fourth year).
• Three credit hour language enhancement/culture courses, taught in German, Japanese, Spanish, or French (mechanical and biomedical engineering only), follow the summer intensive and are taken during the fall and winter quarters. You will have space for a BOK elective in your curriculum to accommodate the courses. When necessary, to accommodate DAAP or Business students on co-op, the fall and winter language classes will be scheduled in the evening.
• Engineering and Applied Science, Business, and Architecture students complete a second (two-week) intensive language course, just before the overseas co-op. Courses begin the first day of spring break. Both weeks of the German and Japanese courses are held overseas. Students co-op abroad during spring/summer following the language program.
• DAAP students (except those in Architecture) can participate in one or both weeks of the spring program. Regardless of whether or not they choose to participate in the spring program, it is recommended that they take the next appropriate level language course spring quarter, so they will continue to improve their language skills before going abroad.) Students co-op abroad during the summer/fall quarters of the junior/senior years.

What Happens If I Take The Language Classes And Do Not Co-Op Overseas?

The language program is designed to prepare students for an overseas co-op assignment. There is not space to accommodate other students, and it is not beneficial to students to invest the time and effort, if they do not plan to co-op abroad. Students should carefully consider their commitment to the program before beginning the summer intensive language class. Once a student accepts an international co-op assignment from a company, the same rules of professional conduct and responsibility apply, as are found in the Professional Practice Student Handbook. Students who back out of a commitment, or do not fulfill their entire commitment to a company are subject to review by the Professional Standards Review Committee. If the Committee determines the student acted unprofessionally, he or she will be required to make up the co-op assignment before graduation.

Am I Guaranteed An International Placement?

In accordance with the Division of Professional Practice policy, placement in co-op jobs in the US and overseas cannot be guaranteed. To date placement has been very successful, with 100% of ICP students placed. However, economic situations overseas can impact job development and placement. Job offers are often made at the last minute, sometimes even after students have left the US for the spring program. We are also still in the process of identifying sources of co-op jobs in Spanish-speaking countries and for students from DAAP, CoB, and CEAS.

Students are encouraged to discuss any ideas or information they have about potential overseas jobs with the ICP advisor spring quarter, prior to the intensive language program.

If I Do Not Get An Overseas Co-Op Job, What Will Happen?

If, due to reasons beyond your control, you do not receive an international assignment, the Division of Professional Practice will attempt to place you with a company in the US. Also, please see the section on “Administrative Waivers” in the Professional Practice Student Handbook.

Who Are The Employers For Co-Op Jobs Overseas?

There are domestic co-op companies that also offer the possibility of an international co-op assignment. International job development is an on-going process. When you meet with your Professional Practice Advisor, remind him or her that you are in the ICP. Your Professional Practice advisor may be able to assist you in finding company in the US that could offer an overseas assignment later. If not, the ICP advisor will identify jobs with new employers appropriate to your skills and interests.

Can I Make Arrangements On My Own To Find A Co-Op Job Overseas?

Guidelines from the Division of Professional Practice would apply the same as with a standard co-op job. You are encouraged to research job possibilities and work with us to pursue opportunities through your own connections. However, you must coordinate efforts with the ICP Advisor, who will contact employers on your behalf and provide them with additional information about the University and ICP. Students who pursue personal contacts without coordinating with the ICP Advisor may risk their opportunity to be placed with UC ICP employers.

Will It Cost Me Anything To Participate In The Program?

The University tries to minimize costs to the students, but some additional costs are involved. These are as follows:

• The intensive language courses are accommodated by shortening co-op periods, resulting in some loss of co-op income.
• You will be responsible for paying the tuition cost for the ICP summer language course.
• You are responsible for the cost of your travel overseas. If your U.S. co-op company sends you overseas, that company may pay for your airline ticket. Students can apply for $500 travel grants from the Institute for Global Studies and Affairs, but travel grants are not guaranteed.
• Students are responsible for costs involved in the two-week program (e.g., housing, food, activities, transportation).

For some countries, fees are charged by organizations responsible for visas, work and residency permits, and/or other immigration documents. Students will be made aware of the amount of these fees well in advance.

Similar to co-op assignments in the US, students are responsible for the cost of their housing during their international co-op assignments. Students in the Japanese program (particularly in engineering), often work for large companies with company dorms. These companies usually, but may not always, provide students with free housing in the company dorm.

Most salaries paid overseas will be based on the cost of living in that country. Students can expect to earn enough to pay living expenses and enjoy some entertainment. However, students should not expect to earn tuition money for senior year. The Spanish program is an exception, and students interested in co-opping in a Spanish-speaking country may be required to have personal funds to supplement salaries received to support themselves.

The University of Cincinnati attempts to make international co-op programs affordable for all students. While students do incur additional costs, the opportunity to co-op allows students to support themselves with co-op earnings and have a "study abroad" experience at a cost lower than traditional study abroad programs. It is our belief that the opportunity for an international experience far outweighs the costs involved and we suggest that you begin saving when you start co-opping during your sophomore year to minimize your expenses. Students with high GPA’s may also be eligible for senior year tuition scholarships, and should check with their colleges about criteria.

What Kinds Of Preparations Should I Be Making Now?

• If you have a passport, check the expiration date. If it has expired, or you do not currently have a passport, you will need to complete a passport application. Both first-time passport applications and applications to renew passports are available in the Division of Professional Practice. Students should begin processing passport applications no later than the beginning of summer quarter when the intensive language course takes place. Passports are good for 10 years from the date of issuance.
• As noted above, start an "international travel fund" by putting some money aside each time you get paid. It's never too early to start saving and you will be able to better enjoy and experience more of the country's culture if you have set aside funds for travel and other expenses.
• Look at your college curriculum and the ICP requirements and plan when you will take ICP electives. Write the required language and orientation to international co-op courses into the appropriate spaces in your curriculum as a reminder.
• Learn all you can about the country you will be working in to better educate yourself about its customs and culture.