It is the sincere desire of The Canada-Japan Co-op Program that participating companies and students will feel satisfied with the program, enjoy their participation, and find the experience to have been worthwhile.
Over the history of the program and with more than 680 students placed, we have been able to observe that there are many ways and opportunities for developing a truly beneficial experience, for both the company and the student. We believe that there are many things that companies, students and The Canada-Japan Co-op Program staff can do, to help ensure that the work placement/internship proceeds smoothly and in a positive manner.
Following, is a list of suggestions for helping to create a successful Canada-Japan Co-op work placement/internship.
- International work terms, particularly those located in Asian countries, often do not pay salaries equivalent to that of North American Co-op work terms/Internships. Be prepared not to be able to save as much money as you could do on a North American co-op/internship work opportunity.
- Before applying for an international work term you should consider whether you will have adequate savings or access to student loans in order to cover your academic term upon return to your educational institution.
- Return airfare is not usually paid for by the employer. Be prepared to cover the travel costs associated with your co-op work term/internship.
- Be aware that the cost of living in Japan is considerably higher than that of Canada. If you plan to travel during your work term, you will need to ensure that you have prior funds available for this purpose, as you may not be able to save enough money during the work term. *It is important to note that under the visa stipulations Canada-Japan Co-op students are not permitted to travel in Japan prior to or after their contract employment set dates.
- Student support is provided during a work term/internship by the hosting Japanese company:
- Internship Stipend (wages from company) = 149,759 yen per month
i.e. $7,044CAD (4 months) to $21,132 CAD (12 months) - Company dorm (often paid by company)/ or deducted from
student salary $2,587 CAD (4 months) - $7,762 CAD (12 months)
Note: range provided on dorm to apartment average - Miscellaneous expenses 12,000 yen per month
$565 CAD (4 months) to $1,694 CAD (12 months) - Total Average support = $10,196 CAD (4 months) to $30,588 CAD (12 months)
Please note averages listed in yen and Canadian dollars valued based on data available October 2009.
- Internship Stipend (wages from company) = 149,759 yen per month
- Work conditions vary considerably between Canada and Japan and may be quite different from that which you are used to. Ensure that you understand and are comfortable with the work conditions in which you will find yourself.
- The hours of work are often closer to ten hours per day. For some smaller companies, Saturday is also a working day. In most cases, you will not receive additional pay for overtime work.
- Students usually do not receive vacation pay or sick leave. You may be given 5 - 10 days vacation for a 8-12 month work term, which may be paid or unpaid. This is determined on an individual basis by the hosting employer. Be aware that you may not be able to select when you take your vacation, as these dates may already have been decided by the company. In addition, sick leave will be subtracted from vacation days.
- Housing and local commuting costs are often provided by the company in lieu of a larger salary.
- Accommodation is usually less spacious than in Canada. Be prepared for living in cramped quarters.
- Companies often assume "parental-like" responsibility for the student, both during and outside of work. If you are accustomed to having considerable freedom and independence, be aware that you will be expected to abide by company rules and policies, which often govern both your professional and private lives.
- The Canada-Japan Co-op Program can accommodate single persons only. Accommodation usually takes the form of a dormitory, which will not handle "significant others" even for short visits.
- It is extremely difficult to obtain a work permit or visa for a partner. Therefore it is not possible to take a partner to Japan during the duration of a work term/internship.
- Before applying for an international work term, consider whether you are prepared to accept an extended separation from loved ones.
- Do not schedule holiday time or visits with your partner, friends or family before arriving in Japan. Holidays must be arranged after your arrival, and in consultation with the company. Vacation dates may not be flexible.
If you have special dietary restrictions, such as low sodium, vegetarian, food allergies, religious observations etc., you should carefully consider whether an international work term is appropriate for you. In many cases, particularly if you are being housed in a dormitory, you will not be able to choose your meals.
Technical Positions
Approximate Cost |
Description |
| $100 | The Canada-Japan Co-op Program Application Fee |
| $30 | Language Test Assessment |
| $250 | The Canada-Japan Co-op Program Training Week: the program fee covers the cost of tuition for a one week course conducted in Vancouver at The University of British Columbia prior to departure. Arrangements can be made for student housing on campus for the duration of the training upon student request and with an additional cost. You would also be required to pay for your travel costs to Vancouver to attend the training week conducted in May. |
| $636.72 - $1,910.16 | Co-op Tuition: Students will either be registered at the University of British Columbia as visiting students and pay the UBC Co-op Course fee of $636.72 per semester (4 months period), or remain registered at their home institution (this depends upon the agreement the educational institutional has with The Canada-Japan Co-op Program Administration) who will then forward on payment of $636.72 per semester to The Canada-Japan Co-op Program. Students will be charged for one term ($636.72), two terms ($1,273.44) or three terms ($1,910.16) |
| $100 | Materials - miscellaneous costs |
| $1,500 | Airfare - Round Trip |
| $138 - $420 | Travel Health Insurance - estimate based on 4-12 month duration |
| Total Cost for Typical Canada-Japan Co-op Student = $2,755 (4 months) to $4,310 (12 months) |
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We have observed that the better able a student is to speak Japanese, the happier he or she will be in Japan. Although Japanese language ability may not be necessary during working hours, it is very important for students to be able to make friends outside of work, get around Japan easily and handle basic living requirements in Japanese, such as shopping, sightseeing, etc. The Canada-Japan Co-op Program encourages all students to learn as much Japanese as possible before their departure for Japan.
Students, who are flexible, friendly and out-going, perform well on work placements. The Canada-Japan Co-op Program asks each educational institution (University/College) to interview their student to determine their suitability for adapting to a new culture. In addition, The Canada-Japan Co-op Program conducts an interview with each student in order to get to know the students better before they are admitted into the Program.
If, for any reason a company is not happy with the student's work performance or attitude, it would be extremely helpful if the company could inform The Canada-Japan Co-op Program office as soon as possible, so that steps can be taken to improve the situation.
In order to qualify for participation in The Canada-Japan Co-op Program, students must have prior work experience. Students with good practical skills are ready to begin productive work for their company right away. Students with previous work experience also have a good understanding of the work environment, can operate independently and are able to adapt to new work environment quickly. Students without relevant prior work experience are not encouraged to apply to the program.
Students are encourage to prepare for their work terms in Japan by exposing themselves to Japanese culture through film, books and interaction with Japanese student in Canada. Japanese customs and etiquette are learned in the pre-departure training. Students are encouraged to try Japanese food before going to Japan so that they are familiar with the cuisines. Students with dietary considerations such as vegetarianism, food allergies, religious observations, etc. are advised that dormitories cannot easily accommodate students with food restrictions. Students who are not able to be flexible with their diets while in Japan, are not encourage to apply to the program.
