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University of Cincinnati International Co-op Program (ICP)
Chris Cooper Assistant Professor Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education
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History Herman Schneider (College of Engineering Dean) invented co-op in 1906. First class Engineering students. UC now has 5,500 co-op placements annually and 1500 employers. International option created in 1991. German, Japanese or Spanish language/ culture preparation. Eight-month co-op work experience abroad.
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Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education
Centralized academic unit manages the Co-op Program 55 faculty and staff 40+ majors Four co-op colleges: 1) Engineering and Applied Science, 2) Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, 3) Education, 4) Arts & Sciences Co-ops across the USA and 20 countries
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Co-op Program Structure
Transfer learning between classroom and the workplace Five years to graduate with 20 months co-op experience Year-round participation Co-op + rigid engineering structure = minimal flexibility Needed to consider structure when creating international option
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ICP Course Structure /Requirements
Orientation to International Co-op Choice of one ICP elective Language/culture course series Six-week summer intensive Three credit hours fall semester Two week intensive in-country course Mandatory weekly blog postings overseas Reflection meeting on return Promotion of experience to others
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UC Structure of ICP Co-op Class Intro to Co-op Orientation to
4/5 2 3 F SP US S Freshmen Pre-Junior Junior Senior Sophomore ICP Schedule Intro to Co-op Orientation to International Co-op 1 Intensive Language Co-op Class International Co-op
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Students Go Abroad With
Over 250 hours of language/culture instruction One year of discipline-related work experience Understanding of new culture Ability to appreciate cultural differences Results in success living and working abroad
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Other International Initiatives
Experience Internship Programs Two-week study tour to Japan, Europe and Ireland UC-CQU Joint Co-op Institute Focus on international program development
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Creating Realistic Expectations for Students
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Reduce Barriers to Participation
Transparent application process Frequent information sessions Early touch points for long-term programs Assignments and student deliverables Payment schedule and dropout date Graphic Here
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Outline Total Program Cost
Program Costs vs. Hidden Costs Airfare Meals Tuition Housing Available grant funding and scholarships Variation of program cost
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Address Behavior Expectations
Pre-departure meetings & syllabus Country specific laws University Code of Ethics Late contingency plan Required attendance Free time Follow the leader, as a general best practice
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Use Language and Cultural Prep to Set Expectations
Second language vs. English Work responsibilities and challenges Dealing with culture shock and homesickness Meeting people and getting involved Strategies for using your newly learned language when natives may easily
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Highlight Differences Between Domestic and International Positions
Student/position fit Salary expectations Housing and transport
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Short-Term International Programs
Define short-term as less than one week
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Why Create a Short-Term Program?
Cultural introduction Conversion to longer-term program International context for an engineering topic Aligns with course learning outcomes Graphic Here
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Location, Location, Location
Expertise or existing partnerships Student demand Safety and current events Funding availability Open Doors and Surveys to Gage Student Demand The idea that parent buyin is just as/if not more important than student buyin Nicholas Raymond
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Self-Organized vs. Third Party
Typically less expensive Complete control over itinerary Teaching and logistics Support varies by institution Typically more expensive Flexible control over itinerary More teaching, less logistics On-the-ground support Graphic Here
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Discovery Partnership development Site visits
Transportation evaluation Other course pre-work
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Advertisement and Marketing
Targeted major/course or broad audience Student organizations Student ambassadors International office Include popular destinations Edward Kim
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