Students > Prospective Students > Why Canada-Japan Co-op?

Why Canada-Japan Co-op?

The Canada-Japan Co-op Program formally integrates a student's academic studies with practical paid work experience in a Japanese employer organization for a period of four, eight or twelve months. The Canada-Japan Co-op Program is tailor made for international work placements/internships in Japan. The Canada-Japan Co-op Program staff are committed to ensure participating undergraduate students receive the highest possible level of service to ensure a positive Canada-Japan Co-op experience.

A great deal of planning and preparation goes into each Canada-Japan Co-op student placement. Unlike placements in North America, the time frame leading up to a placement can take up to ten months (although this is not the average, it is important to note that students allowing more time upon application have a higher percentage rate of being placed within their desired time frame). Upon application to the program, students are interviewed at their home educational institution and recommendations are passed then onto The Canada-Japan Co-op Director who conducts a final interview and determines acceptance into the program. Upon acceptance, students are advised of the three modes of application to positions in Japan and a decision is made as to what route they will take.

The Canada-Japan Co-op Program provides the following to undergraduate student participants:

• Access to job postings in Japan (participation in the program does not guarantee placement as the hiring and matching decision is ultimately up to the Japanese employer organization);
• Easy, on-line application process;
• Organization of telephone and video conferencing interviews;
• Administrative support during the application, interviewing, matching, visa processing and placement periods;
• Comprehensive student preparation prior to departure;
• Contact during the term via phone, email and one in person site visit; and
• Canada-Japan Co-op Student Alumni support.

Considerations prior to applying to The Canada-Japan Co-op Program

Salary and Cost of Living Expectations:

• 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 much money.
• 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 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 the contract employment set dates.
• Student support is provided during a work term/internship by the hosting Japanese company:
  
  • Internship Stipend (wages from company) = 150,000 yen per month (i.e. $1,455 CAD per month as of 31/1/06).
    $5,820 (4 months) - $17,460 (12 months)
  • Company dorm (often paid by company)
    $2,100 - $5,500 CAD range typical for a small room or apartment in Japan
  • Miscellaneous expenses (average $100 per month)
    $400 - $1200 CAD
  • TOTAL AVERAGE SUPPORT = $8,320 (for four months) to $24,160

Work Expectations:

• 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.

Relationship Considerations

• 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.

Dietary Expectations

• 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.

Cost consideration

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. Note: a different training outline is provided for English Teaching positions - please contact coop.japan@ubc.ca for more details
$612 - $1,836	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 $612 per semester (4 months period), or remain registered at their home institution (this dependas upon the agreement the educational institutional has with The Canada-Japan Co-op Program Administration) who will then forward on payment of $612 per semester to The Canada-Japan Co-op Program. Students will be charged for one term ($612), two terms ($1,224) or three terms ($1,836)
$100	Materials - miscellaneous costs
$1,500	Airfare - Round Trip
$118 - $356	Travel Health Insurance - estimate based on 4-12 month duration
Total Cost for Typical Canada-Japan Co-op Student = $2,710 (4 months) to $4,172 (12 months)