Savanna Hoffman
The University of Cincinnati offers a wide range of opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience through its cooperative education programs, both domestically and internationally. The university, which invented cooperative education in 1906, has one of the largest cooperative education programs in the world, with over 3,500 students participating in co-ops each year. Internationally, students can participate in the International Co-op Program (ICP), which combines language and cultural preparation with a paid co-op experience abroad. In addition, students can pursue various other global opportunities, including internships, research, and service learning. These international experiences can provide a competitive edge for employment and enhance professional performance in both domestic and international settings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of students sent abroad each year | More than 1,700 |
| Number of countries students are sent to | 50+ |
| Duration of programs | 1 week to 1 year |
| International Co-op Program (ICP) duration | 4 to 8 months |
| ICP course of study | Rigorous culture and language preparation |
| ICP eligibility | Students take a required set of courses and complete the program in the spring and summer prior to senior year |
| ICP compensation | Paid |
| ICP certificate | Yes |
| ICP language preparation | In-depth study of a second language |
| ICP countries | China, Japan, Germany, Morocco, South America |
| ICP benefits | Gain second-language and cultural competency, gain a competitive edge for full-time employment, develop cross-cutting skills |
| Types of international experience | Study abroad, international experience, international co-op, Experiential Exploration Program (EEP) |
| Types of EEP | Emerging Professional, Professional Practice, Entrepreneurship, Career Related Travel |
| EEP Emerging Professional eligibility | Students in their first and second co-op semester |
| EEP Professional Practice eligibility | Students who have completed at least two co-op semesters |
| EEP Entrepreneurship eligibility | Students who have participated in an accelerator program or Entrepreneurship course |
| EEP Career Related Travel eligibility | Students must have an approved itinerary that relates to their discipline or career interests |
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What You'll Learn
International Co-op Program (ICP)
The University of Cincinnati, which invented cooperative education in 1906, offers an International Co-op Program (ICP) that allows students to work in a professional environment outside the United States. The ICP combines rigorous culture and language preparation with a paid co-op experience abroad.
ICP students take a required set of courses and then complete a four- to eight-month international co-op in the spring and summer before their senior year. Students are awarded a certificate for completing the program. The ICP is designed to help students gain second-language and cultural competency through immersive international work and classroom experiences.
The University of Cincinnati's College of Career Education and Professional Studies facilitates a variety of international work experiences for students. These include academic internships, cooperative education, research, and service learning opportunities abroad. The university also offers the Experiential Exploration Program (EEP) as an alternative to the ICP, which allows students to gain valuable experience through 300 to 350 hours of independent work. There are four types of EEP: Emerging Professional, Professional Practice, Entrepreneurship, and Career-Related Travel.
International students attending the University of Cincinnati on F-1 and J-1 visas can work on campus for a limited number of hours while school is in session. However, they are not allowed to work off-campus without authorization from the Department of Homeland Security. F-1 and J-1 students are typically only permitted to work off-campus if they have experienced severe economic hardship. These students can also participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain work experience before or after graduation and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to gain employment experience as part of an established curriculum, such as a required co-op or internship.
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Language and culture preparation
The University of Cincinnati offers a wide range of international opportunities for its students, including internships, cooperative education, research, and service learning. The university's International Co-op Program (ICP) is a notable example, providing students with a unique combination of rigorous cultural and language preparation, followed by a paid co-op experience abroad.
The ICP is designed to offer a comprehensive language and cultural immersion experience. Students are required to take a set of courses that equip them with the necessary language skills and cultural understanding for their upcoming international co-op placement. This preparation is vital as it empowers students to navigate the challenges of working in a new cultural context and communicating in a different language.
The language component of the ICP ensures that participants gain proficiency in a second language, which is essential for effective communication during their co-op experience. This preparation can include learning the language in-depth, enabling students to confidently interact with colleagues, clients, and the local community. It empowers students to navigate everyday conversations, understand technical terms relevant to their field, and appreciate the nuances of the language spoken in their host country.
Additionally, the cultural preparation aspect of the ICP provides students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the cultural dynamics of their host country. This includes understanding cultural norms, values, and communication styles, helping students adapt to their new work environment and collaborate effectively with their international colleagues. The cultural preparation also fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity and enhances students' cultural competency, making them more globally-minded professionals.
The ICP's language and cultural preparation is designed to be immersive and comprehensive, ensuring students are well-equipped to succeed in their international co-op placements. This preparation period typically takes place during the spring and summer prior to students' senior year, setting the foundation for their upcoming international experience.
Furthermore, the University of Cincinnati's College of Career Education and Professional Studies plays a pivotal role in facilitating these international work experiences. They provide guidance and support to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the cultural and linguistic aspects of their co-op placements, enhancing their overall global competence.
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Work experience and internships
The University of Cincinnati invented cooperative education in 1906, and today, it offers one of the largest cooperative education programs in the world, with over 3,500 students participating in co-ops each year. The university's co-op programs are available in various forms, including internships, academic research, and service learning opportunities, both domestically and internationally.
International Co-op Program (ICP)
The International Co-op Program (ICP) combines rigorous cultural and language preparation with a paid co-op experience abroad. Students take a required set of courses and then complete a four- to eight-month international co-op in the spring and summer before their senior year. This program is designed to help students gain second-language and cultural competency through immersive international work and classroom experiences. It also allows students to develop cross-cutting skills that will enhance their professional performance in both domestic and international settings, giving them a competitive edge for full-time employment and potential promotions.
Experiential Exploration Program (EEP)
The Experiential Exploration Program (EEP) is an alternative to the traditional co-op model, allowing students to gain valuable experience through 300 to 350 hours of independent work. There are four types of EEP:
- Emerging Professional: For students in their first and second co-op semesters to help them develop professional and technical skills.
- Professional Practice: For students who have completed at least two co-op semesters, allowing for independent exploration beyond the traditional co-op structure.
- Entrepreneurship: For students who have participated in an accelerator program or entrepreneurship course and have a developed product or idea.
- Career-Related Travel: Students travel for one academic semester with an approved itinerary related to their discipline or career interests.
International Experience Internships
The University of Cincinnati also offers international experience internships, which can be completed in place of one co-op rotation. These internships can last from one week to one year and are designed for students from all majors and backgrounds.
Work Experience for International Students
International students on F-1 and J-1 visas can work on campus for a limited number of hours while school is in session. However, they are not allowed to work off-campus without authorization from the Department of Homeland Security. F-1 and J-1 students may work off-campus if they have experienced severe economic hardship. Additionally, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available for F-1 students to gain work experience before or after graduation, and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) provides eligible students with employment experience as part of their curriculum.
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Eligibility and requirements
The University of Cincinnati offers a wide range of opportunities for students to gain international experience through its cooperative education programs. The eligibility and requirements for these programs vary depending on the specific details of the program and the student's background. Here are the key points regarding eligibility and requirements for University of Cincinnati students interested in international co-ops:
International Co-op Program (ICP)
The ICP is a comprehensive program that combines cultural and language preparation with a paid co-op experience abroad. To be eligible for this program, students must complete a required set of courses and then embark on a four- to eight-month international co-op in the spring and summer before their senior year. This program is specifically designed for engineering students. ICP students gain valuable second-language skills and cultural competency through immersive work and classroom experiences in their host country.
Mandatory Co-op Program Options
Within the mandatory co-op program, students have the option to participate in study abroad, international experience, international co-op, or one of four types of Experiential Exploration Programs (EEP). The EEP options include Emerging Professional, Professional Practice, Entrepreneurship, and Career-Related Travel. Each of these options provides a unique opportunity for students to gain international experience while fulfilling their co-op requirements. These programs are designed for students from all majors and backgrounds and can last anywhere from one week to one year.
Co-op Requirements for Lindner College of Business
Students enrolled in the Lindner College of Business have specific requirements for their co-op positions. These positions must be full-time, although multiple part-time employment experiences can sometimes meet this criterion. Additionally, the positions should be financially compensated, although there are certain circumstances where unpaid co-ops are allowed, as outlined in the co-op handbook. Students must also be enrolled in a full-time degree program at the college and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Sales-Related Co-ops
Sales-related co-ops have specific requirements, including guaranteed compensation, which does not include training, conferences, or professional workshops. These co-ops should include a minimum of 350 total hours for full-time positions and 175 total hours for part-time positions.
Visa Requirements
The eligibility and requirements for international co-ops are also influenced by the student's visa type. Different visas have varying restrictions on the types of work that can be undertaken. For instance, international students on F-1 and J-1 status can work on campus for a limited number of hours during the school session. F-1 and J-1 students typically need authorization from the Department of Homeland Security to work off-campus.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
F-1 students have the opportunity to participate in OPT to gain work experience before or after graduation, complementing their academic program. CPT, on the other hand, provides eligible students with employment experience as part of an established curriculum, such as a required co-op or internship. To preserve eligibility for OPT after graduation, students should not exceed 365 days of full-time CPT co-op participation. Part-time co-ops of less than 20 hours per week do not affect OPT eligibility.
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Co-op graduation requirements
The University of Cincinnati invented cooperative education in 1906 and continues to have one of the largest cooperative education programs in the world. The university's co-op program is ranked in the top five in the nation. The program provides students with real-world experience in their field and is built into the curriculum.
Co-op is a requirement for graduation for students at the University of Cincinnati. Students can complete their co-op in a variety of ways, including cooperative education, internships, research, and service learning opportunities. The university offers both full-time and part-time co-ops, with full-time co-ops requiring a minimum of 350 total hours and part-time co-ops requiring a minimum of 175 total hours.
Students typically complete between three and five co-op semesters prior to graduation, which is equivalent to 1.5 years of job experience. For every co-op completed in a country where a student has no previous or current citizenship or residency status, it will be counted as twice its co-op equivalent. For example, a full-time co-op in another country would count as two full-time co-ops towards the graduation requirement.
To maintain their eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation, students should not utilize more than 365 days of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) co-op participation. CPT co-op participation is capped at 365 days.
Students must also be enrolled in a full-time degree program and maintain satisfactory academic progress to complete the co-op program and receive program services. Co-op is a transcripted course that students need to be registered for each semester of co-op.
International co-op opportunities:
The University of Cincinnati offers international co-op opportunities through its International Co-op Program. Students in this program prepare by learning a second language in-depth and can work in a country where that language is primarily spoken.
The university also facilitates international work experiences for students outside of the established programs, including cooperative education, academic internships, undergraduate research, service learning, and the Experiential Exploration Program (EEP). Students may apply to the university for course credit for these experiences and are required to document their experience with UC International.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the University of Cincinnati offers an International Co-op Program (ICP) that provides students with the opportunity to work in a professional environment outside the U.S.
ICP students are required to take a set of courses and complete a four- to eight-month international co-op in the spring and summer before their senior year. The program combines rigorous culture and language preparation with a paid co-op experience abroad.
Students seeking co-op positions must research opportunities, apply, and interview in a competitive process. The University of Cincinnati provides co-op advisors and Career Coaches in the Bearcat Promise Career Studio to help students with this process.
