University of Cincinnati International Co-op Program (ICP) Chris Cooper Assistant Professor Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education

History Herman Schneider (College of Engineering Dean) invented co-op in 1906. First class -- 28 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Creating Realistic Expectations for Students

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

Outline Total Program Cost Program Costs vs. Hidden Costs Airfare Meals Tuition Housing Available grant funding and scholarships Variation of program cost

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

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

Highlight Differences Between Domestic and International Positions Student/position fit Salary expectations Housing and transport

Short-Term International Programs Define short-term as less than one week

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

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

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

Discovery Partnership development Site visits Transportation evaluation Other course pre-work

Advertisement and Marketing Targeted major/course or broad audience Student organizations Student ambassadors International office Include popular destinations Edward Kim