Co-operative Education

for

Unlock your potential working abroad!

International Co-op Work Term Guide

A handbook to guide you before, during and after your international co-op work experience.

Table of Contents
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

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
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

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! 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 ones 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 countrys 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 the United States, France, Brazil, Germany, Poland, Finland, Singapore, Burkina Faso, Australia, and China, among others. We encourage you to look at the Electronic Map located in the lobby of the Institute for Co-operative Education. You can see the companies and countries where our students have worked.
International Work Term Locations
Africa (2) North America (24) Asia (17)

Australia (1)

Europe (32)

Concordia Co-op students who worked outside Canada between 2003 and 2008.

4. Studying and Doing a Work Term Abroad

Concordia has agreements with many universities around the world. If you are planning to do a study term abroad, you could use some time while you are there to find a job that you could start immediately after completing your study term. You should consult the Concordia International website, where you can find the list of universities with which Concordia has

agreements, as well as a great deal of other useful information. Going that route could be a very enriching experience. Remember, all work term job descriptions must be approved by the Institute for Co-operative Education. http://international.concordia.ca// Did you know that the Ministre de lducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS) offers financial aid of $1000 per month to students going overseas to study? For more information, please consult their website. http://www.afe.gouv.qc.ca/en/pendantEtudes/etudesExterieurQuebec.asp

5. When is the Best Time to Go

Should I go during the first, second, third, or fourth work term?

We suggest that you go abroad after your first work term. Doing an international work term during your first work term could be overwhelming since you would have to adapt to the working environment and to a new world at the same time. Once you are familiar with the work environment, you will be better prepared to face the challenge of going abroad.

6. Finding a Job

Challenges shape your personality and make you more courageous.

Database Access and Job Posting You should search for a job on your own since there may not be any job postings outside of Canada on Neptune. Luckily, the Canadian government has a database containing Canadawide and internationally-based job postings. Every posting has a detailed job description that includes information on salary, the country, the duration (between 4 and 6 months), benefits and entitlements, language requirements, the company, and required qualifications and experience. This is a very good source to find serious job offers outside Canada.

For more information, visit the Public Service Commission of Canada website at http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/index-eng.htm. If you have worked for a company that has offices outside Canada, we encourage you to ask the company if they have any international work term opportunities for you. Students have occasionally taken this route in the past when looking for positions abroad. It can be

much easier for you to find a job abroad since you already have a relationship with the organization and you have already adapted to the companys corporate culture, which may in turn allow you to adjust faster to the new countrys culture.
I had a work term with the Montreal office of Towers Perrin and for my following work term I wanted to live somewhere different without necessarily quitting the company.

Vronique Lauzire Actuarial Mathematics International Work Term at Towers Perrin France

6.1 Special Programs for Co-op Students

The following programs provide students with online databases and support before, during and after their work term. We highly recommend that you subscribe to one of the following organizations to start planning your international work term because they have experience in this field and can assist you with your plans, help you save time and money, and give you peace of mind. 6.1.1 AIESEC What is it?

AIESEC, the worlds largest student-run organization, is an international platform that helps young people discover and develop their potential to have a positive impact on society. The AIESEC Global Internship Program has 4 streams: Management: internships in general business functions (marketing, finance, HR, etc.); Technical: internships in IT and engineering; Development: internships focusing on community and social development; Educational: internships focusing on teaching others.

How to Apply

To join AIESEC, you need to visit the AIESEC chapter at Concordia. You can then submit your application to its Global Internship Program, which will be assessed by a review board made up of professionals. You will be selected based on your education, skills, language certifications and leadership experience. Once you get accepted, your profile will be entered into a database and you will receive training on job searching. After you have found a job, AIESEC will provide you with all the resources to prepare you for living and

working abroad, including arrangements for your visa and work permit. In addition, once you have arrived in the new country, the AIESEC host chapter will offer support and assistance to help you better integrate to the new culture. AIESEC will also help you reintegrate when you return home. AIESEC Phone: 514-848-2424, ext 7435 Fax: 514-848-7436 Email: aiesec@jmsb.concordia.ca Website: http://www.aiesec.ca/concordia 6.1.2 Going Global What is it? This program provides you with information on job and internship resources, employment trends and industry profiles for twenty-four countries. The Going Global database, which includes interview and cultural advice as well as assistance with the process of getting a work permit and visa, is updated daily and the subscription access is available for one year. However, the Co-op office has a subscription, so you can access the database at the Institute for Cooperative Education. How to Apply Once you become a member of Going Global, you have access to its database and personal advice. They have partnerships with many other institutionssuch as the Wall Street Journalwhich can help you find a job, and Moving.com, which provides you with resources when moving to another country. For more information, please consult your Co-op coordinator. 6.1.3 SWAP
SWAP not only helped me in getting a job but also a working visa in Brazil. They sent me all of the necessary forms and were in charge of getting my visa.
Audrey Sylvain Marketing International Work Term in Brazil

What is it? SWAP is the largest and most popular international youth exchange program in Canada, offering the opportunity to go to thirteen different countries.

How to Apply You must first go to the SWAP website and read the registration conditions. Once you have completed the SWAP registration form, obtained a copy of a letter of reference as well as a proof of student status, take the documents to the nearest Travel Cuts/Voyages Campus (there is one located at Concordia on the 2nd floor of the Hall Building), Adventure Travel Company or Odyssey Travel office. You can ask for advice when submitting your application. After being accepted, you will receive a package containing crucial information and you will be assigned to a counselor to plan and organize your international work term step-by-step. Your counselor can help you obtain travel tickets, your visa or work permit, and find a job and accommodations, among other services. http://www.swap.ca/ 6.1.4 Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE)
I heard about the RISE program in Germany from friends and the Institute for Co-

operative Education. The job searching, application processes and the work permit took place entirely through their online database.

David Cyr Biochemistry International Work Term in Germany RISE

What is it? This exchange program is specifically for students in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Engineering and Physics. The program sends students from all over the world to Germany to work with German doctoral students on research projects. Although the working language is English, knowing some basic German is very useful during daily activities outside the workplace. How to Apply In order to apply, you are required to be a full-time student in one of the abovementioned fields. In addition, by the time you are placed, you must have completed at least two years of your degree program. Finally, you need to prove that you will continue your undergraduate studies upon your return to Canada. After applying online, you will have access to the RISE database where you can apply for up to three internship offers made by German PhD students. You will need the following documents to apply: completed application form, full rsum and cover letter, up-to-date official university transcript, and a letter of reference from a senior academic in your field of study. Once you get all

the documents, you should mail them to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Your file will then be reviewed by a PhD student and you may be contacted by phone or email to discuss your application. The deadlines and details about the registration process can be found on the RISE website. http://www.daad.de/rise/en/
6.1.5 CDS International What is it? CDS is a non-profit organization that offers internships in Argentina, Germany, Spain, Russia and the United States. This organization offers paid and unpaid jobs, internships abroad, professional fellowships, state department public diplomacy initiatives, J-1 visa services, work-study programs, study tours and support during your work term. How to Apply In order to apply to CDS, you must submit an application either by mail or online with supporting material. Application requirements and general details differ for every program, so you should do your own research on the CDS website to find out what is offered and what is needed. The fees range from $300 to $1000 US. After you have subscribed to CDS, you are sent a username and password by email with which you can access their databases. http://www.cdsintl.org/

6.2

Evaluating Job Opportunities

Be sure to carefully evaluate every job opportunity. This is true for positions in Canada, but should be taken into greater consideration when searching for a job abroad. Here are some things that may indicate a probable scam: Companies that work only by email or phone; Any job that offers you a percentage of a large amount of money that would be deposited into your bank account in return for your discretion; Offers (to women) of fast and good money in entertainment; and Any deal that seems too good to be true. For more information, visit www.voyage.gc.ca/alt/scams.asp.

6.3

Interview Methodology

Currently, interviews are mostly done by telephone. The Institute for Co-operative Education is considering the idea of doing them via video or Internet as well.

6.4

Accepting a Job Offer

Before you officially accept a job offer, you must verify its suitability with the Institute for Co-operative Education. Each offer must be carefully examined to ensure that it meets the requirements of the Institute. Therefore, you need to submit the following documents to your Co-op coordinator: Job description; Company address; Coordinates of a contact person.

6.5

Policy on Student Travel

If the Institute for Co-operative Education approves the description of the work term job offers made to you, you will be required to do the following: Abide by the Policy on Student Travel (see Appendix I); Sign the Statement of Registration (see Appendix II); and Fill out the Sample Itinerary (see Appendix III).

6.6

Researching the Company Before Leaving

If the company that has hired you has offices in Canada, try to visit one and talk to an employee there. If possible, contact someone who is working in one if its offices in your host country before leaving so that you can identify some differences between the Canadian and international offices.

7. International Travel Stipend

The Institute for Co-operative Education offers an International Travel Stipend (ranging from $500 to $1500) to students going abroad to complete a work term. This stipend is awarded based on funds available and the number of students going abroad in a given year. For more information, please consult your Co-op coordinator.

8. Banking Abroad
Depending on your host country, banking abroad can be either really easy or a pain in the neck. The first thing that you need to do is to contact your regular bank and find out about your banking options abroad. Perhaps you should consider opening an account with a bank that specializes in international debit/online services, such as ING.

http://www.ing.com/index.jsp More and more students are finding it easy to do banking abroad by using their debit cards and online services. Furthermore, many Canadian banks have affiliated financial institutions abroad where you can access tellers. Your bank may be able to offer a special student rate for debit transactions outside of Canada.

9. The BIG Guide to Living and Working Overseas

This is one of the best guides to help you during your process of going abroad. You can access it by subscribing online. The cost for one week is $15.85, and for one year, $26.45. http://www.workingoverseas.com/
"My experience in the U.S. as a Microsoft summer intern was a great occasion to grow both professionally and personally. Microsofts internship program brings together interns from many different universities and from many countries all over the world. This unique setting allowed me to build a large international network of friends and reflects the type of diversity found in a very large multinational organization

Juan Lema Software Engineering International Work Term in U.S.A.

Section 2

Getting Ready to Go
This section gives you an overview of everything need before leaving to go abroad. It takes you through the process of obtaining your passport, visa or work permit, insurance, housing, plane tickets and much more.

Section 2: Getting Ready to Go

Planning ahead makes the process smoother and enables you to better enjoy yourself.
1. International Youth Program There are so many advantages to being a co-op student. For instance, just by being a co-op member, you are automatically accepted into the International Youth Program designed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. This program is for people between the ages of 18 and 35 who are interested in working abroad. Although this program does not provide students with financial support or help when searching for a job abroad, it simplifies the process of getting work permits and documentation in forty countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Sweden, and Switzerland. For more information, you can visit the International Youth Program website or call their hotline. Website http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/123go/menu-en.asp Phone 1-800-267-8376 (toll-free in Canada). What if the place I want to go to is not in the agreement? If the place you want to go to is not in the agreement, then you will be responsible for your own legal arrangements. To do that, it is important to contact the consulate of the country of destination and ask for the steps you should follow. 2. Legally Required Documents Passport The first thing you need to do is get a passport, if you do not already have one. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your tentative return date. As such, if your current passport expires within the six months following your work term, you need to renew it as soon as possible and only start your visa application once you have your new passport in hand. All passport-related forms and information are available online at http://www.ppt.gc.ca/.

Visa and Work Permit It is imperative that you obtain the proper permission and documentation before leaving to work abroad (depending on the country this is either referred to as a visa or a work permit). Each country has its own rules and processes for obtaining these documents, so even if you are applying for a visa with the help of one of the abovementioned programs, you must still check with your host countrys embassy or consulate here in Canada. They will be able to inform you on what immigration documents you will need to enter the country, the application procedures, fees, and lead time required. It is crucial that you get this information and start the application procedure as far in advance as possible. This process can be rather lengthy for some countries. As mentioned earlier, applying to the International Youth Program designed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada makes it easier to get a work permit in several countries. The Government of Canada offers a lot of useful information related to specific countries around the world. Its website has information on the following: the current situation of every country, the documents required upon entering, travelers check list, health and travel insurance, local travel and currency, local laws and customs, and Canadian government contacts in the country of destination. Using these web pages and other internet resources are a good first step in finding out what is required of you when applying for a working visa. General Information (related to visas and countries) www.voyage.gc.ca Consulate of France http://www.consulfrance-montreal.org/ If you are planning to work in France, you can get more information about obtaining visas on the Consulate of France website. You can find the visa application forms themselves by following these steps: under Affaires et emploi (on the left-hand menu), click Travail et stage. You will be redirected to another web page, where you will click Stage en France, and then finally Visas tudiants ou Stagiaires.

French Consulate address 1501 McGill College, Suite 1000 Montreal, QC H3A 3M8 Phone: 514-8784385 If you are interested in going to France on a work term, the Office FrancoQubcois pour la Jeunesse is a valuable resource. They have a program named Mobilit des jeunes travailleurs that helps people between the ages of 18 to 35 obtain a work permit. You can also view some job postings. You can visit their website for more information.
http://www.ofqj.org/

Consulate of Germany http://www.montreal.diplo.de For more information on working in Germany, visit the above website and follow these steps: under Studying in Germany, Education and Vocational Training (on the left-hand menu), click School and youth exchange, and then General information and links. You will be redirected to a web page, where you will click Working in Germany. German Consulate address: 1250 Ren-Lvesque Blvd. West, Suite 4315 Montreal, QC H3B 4W8 Phone: 514-931-2277 Fax: 514-931-7239 Email: mail@montr.diplo.de

US Visa Information http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/ The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is issued to individuals who take part in a wide range of exchange visitor programs sponsored by schools, businesses, and a variety of organizations and institutions. These programs are designed for business and industrial

programs are designed for business and industrial trainees, scholars, students, international visitors, teachers, research assistants and those on cultural missions. In addition, there are several exchange visitor programs for young people, including summer employment programs, internship programs for university students and au-pair programs. For more information about the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, you can visit the website below. http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/visa_j1.html

International Driving Permit (IDP) Depending on your situation, you may want or be required to operate a vehicle while abroad on your work term. In order to legally do this, we recommend that you apply for an IDP, which is an international drivers license that is valid for one year. With this license, you can drive any car outside of Canada. In addition, it might be useful to have it since it is accepted by most car rental outlets and it is an additional piece of photoidentification. For more information on obtaining an International Driving Permit, visit http://www.caa.ca/travel/travel-permits-e.cfm. 3. Supplemental Health Care Insurance It is absolutely necessary to get a supplemental health care insurance policy before leaving. Provincial health care is not enough to cover emergencies that could happen while you are abroad. Make sure that the insurance you get has all the services you would need in case of emergency including access to multilingual staff, medical evacuation to Canada or the nearest location (air ambulances), a medical escort, or emergency dental care (very important). You must make sure that your plan does not exclude any areas you plan to visit. Finally, do not forget to bring a copy of your agreementwhich explains your insurance coveragewith you abroad. This document could make all the steps faster and easier. For more information about purchasing insurance, you can visit the Travel-Cuts website or call. Travel-Cuts website https://secure.travelcuts.com/Insurance Phone 514-288-1130

Additional Insurance Travel Insurance Coverage: This can cover an array of aspects from lost or stolen baggage to cancellation insurance. Travel insurance is about 5%-8% of the cost of your airline ticket. Liability Insurance: This is usually in the form of a monthly charge and covers you should you be sued. This may sound silly but in some countries people are required to have some form of it, so make sure to do your research. Apartment Insurance: If you will be renting an apartment during your work term, it is extremely important to get it insured. This type of insurance is bought once you get to the new country. It covers any damage caused by theft, fire, flood, etc. (depending on the contract you sign). Repatriation of Remains Coverage: This is a serious subject! In the unlikely event that you should die while abroad, it is imperative that you plan accordingly for the mandatory return of your remains to your home country. This is significant since repatriating a body from the United States to Canada could cost $12,000, whereas coverage is a minimal monthly insurance cost ($3-10). Air Ambulance Coverage: This insurance is very important. An air ambulance is an aircraft used for emergency medical assistance in situations where either a traditional ambulance cannot easily or quickly reach the scene or the patient needs to be repositioned at a distance where air transportation is most practical. Please note that most insurance companies do not cover damages if they can prove that you were abusing alcohol or some other substance, e.g. drugs, that can prevent you from thinking properly. You must act responsibly even if you have purchased insurance. Prudent behavior can prevent trouble and help you face emergencies or uncomfortable situations.
It is also important to brush up on the laws of your host country as the laws may differ greatly from those in Canada.

4. Housing When searching for a place to stay abroad, you have many options available to you. The internet is obviously your main resource. Just as if you were looking for a place to live here, there are dozens of housing websites which list available places for almost every city imaginable. Here are a few things you may want to think about doing and some of the resources available when looking for a place to live during your work term: Expand your searches. Do not only search on websites specifically dedicated to housing, but also try various classified pages, like Craigslist and that of local newspapers. Do not forget that you are still considered a full-time student worldwide. Many of the larger cities (especially those in Europe) offer housing for international

students, where you would share a residence with other young people. Sometimes these even include food and activities such as weekend trips around neighboring areas. Why not check out the websites of local universities? Many, just like Concordia, have their own section where students and organizations can list available local housing. Use online networking sites, like Facebook, to check out student groups in the community where you will be living. Many people place apartment listings on these sites and you can also use them to find potential roommates. While you are looking for a place to live, and even once you have found housing, here are some things to keep in mind: Ask a lot of questions regarding your housing accommodations abroad to find out what is included, especially if you are subletting an apartment (furniture, kitchen amenities, linens, towels, pillows, etc). You may find yourself in hot water if you are not aware of the rules and regulations regarding rentals in the country. Make sure to read all the fine print carefully. If you are confused about certain details, you should clarify everything before signing and committing yourself. Never enter into a legal contract abroad (or here for that matter) without being extremely well informed. Always get everything in writing, even if you are only renting a room from other students. Make sure you have a complete understanding of what you are paying for and what you are responsible for. If you are renting an apartment with other students, get everyones names on the lease. 5. Airline Tickets Here are some tips for purchasing your plane tickets: Purchase tickets early, but not too early. Airlines tend to offer the lowest prices on 21-day advance tickets. If you are trying to book months in advance and you cannot find the fare you want, be patient. Airfares fluctuate, and a lower fare may come up at a later date. Keep a lookout for announced airfare sales. Of course, fares may go up. Your best strategy is to compare fares to get an idea of an average price for your desired trip and check several sites over a period of time to see what is happening with rates. Then you will recognize a good deal when you see it. Search multiple travel websites for deals. You can speed up this process with a comparison-shopping search engine, which allows you to sample several airline and agency sites simultaneously. Try contacting a local travel agency that specializes in student travel to see about deals. Once again, this is another opportunity to contact Voyages Campus (Hall Building) or visit their website at www.tourismejeunesse.org.

Sign up for Fare Alerts. Many airline sites, as well as Orbitz and agents such as Expedia and Travelocity, allow you to sign up to be notified about deals on specific routes. Consider flying to an alternative airport that may be a 30-45 minute drive or train ride from your preferred airport or even flying out of Ottawa (ON), Burlington (VT) or Plattsburgh (NY). Think about using an auction or discount site if your arrival date is flexible, and do not be afraid to dabble in the unknown. Priceline.com and Hotwire.com offer airline tickets at very discounted prices, with a couple of catches. You cannot select your flight times and you will not know your airline until after you buy your ticket. Make sure no one has access to your luggage until it is properly checked in at the airport. For free assistance on your trip, call Travel Cuts at 1-866-246-9762. 6. Discount Cards You should think about getting an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), as many places will not accept your Concordia ID card for student discounts. This card can help you save hundreds of dollars on travel, accommodations, sports rentals, and admissions to museums and other cultural attractions. In addition, if you have an emergency or need advice on health or visa requirements while on the road, ISIC provides you with support through their Help Line, which is a free 24-hour travel telephone service available only to ISIC holders. You can get this card for free as long as you visit Voyages Campus located in the Hall Building. (Even in North America, this is the only card that VIA Rail accepts for the student discounts.) For more information about the ISIC card, you can visit their website or call their Help Line. Website http://www.istc.org/ Help Line 44 20 87 628 110 7. Money Matters Some countries ask visitors to pay entrance or exit fees, so it is very important to keep some money aside in case you must pay fees en route to your destination. You should also bring at least the equivalent of 100 dollars in the countrys currency so that you can pay for taxis, food or lodging until you are able to get to a bank (see earlier section of Banking Abroad for more information). You may want to consider purchasing travelers cheques, which are insured in the event of loss or theft. However if you are

going to a more secluded or less industrialized part of the world, you may have some difficulty finding a place to cash them. 8. Vaccinations Find out what types of vaccinations (if any) are necessary for travel to your host country, as well as any other countries you plan to visit while abroad. Remember that the Concordia Health Services clinic provides medical exams and vaccinations to students traveling to other countries. It is recommended to have a full physical and dental check-up before departure. Some visas or work permits require it. 9. Packing Tips Most airlines will allow you to bring two pieces of checked luggage, but look into it beforehand as some air lines, especially discount ones, may have different rules and weight requirements. You should try to be about 25% under the maximum weight limit when you leave for your work term so you will have space in your return baggage for items purchased while traveling. Check the requirements online before you pack as Customs are always updating their regulations and some countries regulations may be different. In your carry-on baggage, you should pack enough to get you through two days in case your checked baggage is lost or your flight is canceled or delayed. Although small, your carry-on bag should include a first aid kit, two weeks worth of prescribed medication, a change of clothes, a few snacks, lip balm, chewing gum, tissues and any electronics that are too fragile to pack in your checked luggage. For electronics, make sure the batteries are good as you must be able to turn them on to clear customs. Do not bring very valuable things with you abroad so you do not have to worry about them. Instead, try to bring only what is necessary. If you plan to live with a family, you should bring them a gift from Canada. It will be much appreciated. For more information about packing wisely, visit http://www.cta-otc.gc.ca/air-aerien/flysmart/4_e.html. At the airport before departure, you should register any expensive items you take with you with Canadian Customs. For more information on how to do this, visit http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/. 10.
Useful Travel Books

Before leaving, you should try to get a hold of travel books about the specific country or region you are going to. There are in fact many useful books available which cover a broad range of information about your destination. The Bradt Travel Guide website is highly recommended to find these kinds of books. http://www.bradt-travelguides.com/ 11.
Steps Before Going Abroad

The following is a list of steps that you should take before departure. It summarizes what was written in sections I and II of this guide. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Select the country or countries you wish to go. Find a job that meets the requirements of the Institute for Co-operative Education. Get the job approved by the Institute for Co-operative Education. Obtain a passport. Obtain a work permit (you can start the process even before finding a job). Obtain insurance. Buy airplane tickets. Find a place to live. Complete and sign the documents provided by the Institute for Co-operative Education: Statement of registration, Responsibility and Waiver for a Concordia University Academic Travel program Sample Itinerary Receive proper vaccination(s), if necessary. Get an ISIC International Student Identity Card. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP), if necessary. Get money in the currency of your host country (minimum of $100). Find out about your banking abroad options. Contact your credit card company to inform them that you will be abroad for a few months and that you may use your credit card in a country or countries other than Canada. Suspend your phone, cable and Internet, and contact any companies with which you have a contract to suspend services or make payment arrangement, if necessary. Sublet your apartment, if necessary. Learn more about the language, culture, religion, tradition, history, etc, of your host country.

10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

Section 3

While You Are There

This section will help answer some of your questions about what to do when you are abroad. It provides you with information about keeping in touch with those in Montreal, taking side trips, adapting to different cultures, and your Co-op requirements.

Section 3: While You Are There

New things, new challenges.
1. Keeping in Touch with Family and the Institute for Co-operative Education As soon as you have settled into your new accommodations, provide the Institute for Co-operative Education office with your new address and telephone number by updating your information on Neptune. While abroad, calling home may end up being a bit of a financial burden. Research your options well. If you have an apartment with a landline, you might not want to sign up for a long distance plan unless you are able to cancel it at any time. You should consider using phone cards or, if you are a bit more computer savvy, a program such as SKYPE can be advantageous, especially if you will be in Europe. Keep in mind that if you have a cell-phone contract here, most companies let you suspend your contract for a minimal monthly fee. 2. Registering with the Embassy You should register with the Canadian embassy in your destination country. For more information on registering with a Canadian embassy, visit http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp. 3. Transportation It is very important to become familiar with the citys transportation system. This will make it easier for you to move from one place to the other. Try to go through some travel guides (such as Fodors, Frommers or Lonely Planet) for your host city/country. They usually contain a great deal of valuable information on getting around, as well as many other handy tips and facts. http://www.fodors.com/ http://www.frommers.com/ http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ 4. Leisure and Recreation This is a great opportunity for you to see another part of the world. We recommend that you take short trips on weekends or, if you have the time, before or after your work term. If you are planning to go to a European country, it is very easy to visit the neighboring countries. Try to save up some money in advance to visit new places and

take maximum advantage of your trip. Do some research in advance about some destinations you would like to visit. Once you have arrived, your time will be precious and it is much better to spend it traveling rather than planning and deciding where to go. Hostels are a great and cheap option for your short-term travels. Though many people are apprehensive about using hostels because of horror stories they might have heard, there are in fact many nice ones out there. It is definitely one of the top choices for student travel and it will give you the opportunity to meet young people from all over the world. http://www.hostels.com/ http://www.hostelworld.com Once again, if you will be travelling within Europe, flying is often cheaper than taking the train or bus. Try checking out some of their discount airlineswe are sure that you will be amazed by the prices. http://www.ryanair.com http://www.easyjet.com http://www.germanwings.com 5. Cross-Cultural Adaptation Cross-cultural adaptation is a process which simply entails getting used to your new situation abroad. This process includes going through what has been termed Culture Shock,, which is when you first experience homesickness and perhaps even dislike for your host city/country, or simply wish that things were more like they were back home. This is something that some people might experiences while others will not. We asked some co-op students that have already done a work term outside Canada about this and the majority said that they did not experience culture shock. Instead, they said that they enjoyed the new culture and adapted very easily to it.
Did you experience culture shock? Yes, but I was properly prepared and I had a lot of support while I was overseas to ease the shock. But, it is inevitable when you go to such a different country.

Alain Chung Computer Engineering International Work Term in Burkina Faso

Here are some things to remember while you are adapting to a new culture: Always have tolerance for the differences and ambiguities that you experience. You should be ready to apologize if you accidentally do something wrong in your host culture. Simply explain to the person whom you offended that you were not aware that you did anything wrong. This is often a great chance for you to ask for explanations regarding a particular custom. Be open-minded and patient while learning and taking part in this new culture. Try not to get frustrated or worked up if you do not seem to understand something. Do not be afraid to ask questions; most are more than willing to share their cultural experience with people who are interested. Before arriving, become as knowledgeable as you can about the way of life and social expectations which exist in your host country. This can help diminish the shock effect as you will have a better idea of what to expect. 6. Work Site Visit Your coordinator will most likely be in contact with you and your work supervisor through email or telephone as they usually cannot visit you in person. 7. Work Term Report and Employer Evaluation You will be required to send two copies of your work term report or presentation and two copies of your employer evaluation by mail. Even though you are abroad, the same deadlines still stand. Make sure your report is postmarked by the due date. 8. What to Do in Case of Emergency The first thing to do when you arrive at your destination is to find out what the number to the emergency line is (most countries have their own equivalent for 9-1-1). You could also consider buying a cellular phone. It is important to be aware of your surroundings. For example, where is the closest police station, or hospital? Knowing these things in advance will make the situation a lot less stressful and will allow you to react quickly if something does happen. Also, the Government of Canada offers immediate assistance in the event of a natural disaster or civil unrest. It will also inform you should a family emergency arise at home. For this reason, it is very important that you register with the Canadian embassy as soon as you arrive in the country by either presenting yourself to the embassy or online. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp

If the problem has something to do with the job itself or if you need more personal guidance, you can contact the Co-op staff in Montreal and they will do their best to help you. 9. Other Things to Consider Here are a few things to keep in mind before and throughout your work term: While abroad, you are not just an ambassador for Concordia, but also for Montreal and Canada as a whole. Try to be knowledgeable about your country since people you meet are bound to ask you a lot of questions. Try clearing debts before departure so you have one less thing to worry about. Keep receipts for your purchases (especially major ones, if there are any). Put some money aside to pay exit or departure fees. Make sure to find out in advance if the country you will be living in requires you to pay these fees. Make sure that both you and someone at home have copies of all your important documentation (passport, visa, drivers license, credit cards, health insurance, etc) should you lose them while abroad. This will make the process of getting replacements significantly quicker and easier.

Section 4

Coming Back
This section discusses some aspects of your homecoming. It also offers you ideas on how to share your experiences with others.

Section 4: Coming Back

You have changed but many things will be the same
1. Extending or Shortening your Work Term If you want to extend or shorten your work term, you have to contact your coordinator and discuss the options that may be available to you. You also have to ensure that your length of stay does not jeopardize your resident status with the University or the Province. 2. Health Insurance Inform your insurance provider about the date you will be returning to Canada so that you do not have to wait until the insurance company changes the conditions of your coverage, which may leave you uninsured for a couple of months. 3. Re-entry Adaptation You have to remember that your experience is going to change the way you see certain things, which may be noticed by your family or close friends. In addition, the fact that you missed your hometown may make you remember certain things as being better than they are in reality, so you may be surprised when you come back home. It can be difficult when you realize that you may have changed, yet everything around you has pretty much stayed the same. There is still no reason to worry! This is a positive learning experience; you now have more to share. 4. Giving Back As your Co-op experience abroad has enriched your life, you can also enrich the life of your family members and close friends by telling them about it. You can even take part in the mentorship program and give back to other Co-op students, providing them with suggestions and useful information on the process of going abroad. If you want to become a Co-op student mentor, or for more information, contact Leslie Hughes at the Institute for Co-operative Education. Leslie.Hughes@concordia.ca 514-848 2424, ext 2810

With thanks to Alejandra Gonzalez and Lauren Markofsky, Marketing Co-op students, May 2008.

www.concordia.ca

1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West, BE 341 Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1M8 Tel: 514-848-2424 ext.3950 Fax: 514-848-2811 coopinstitute@concordia.ca www.co-op.concordia.ca