Advantages and disadvantages of international co-op placements: The students' perspective

Citation

Coll, R. K., & Chapman, R. (2000). Advantages and disadvantages of international co-op placements: The students' perspective. Journal of Cooperative Education and Internships, 35(2), 95-105.

Authors

Richard Chapman at University of Waikato Richard K. Coll at University of Waikato

Keywords

international CEIA

Related Institutions

University of Waikato / Hamilton / New Zealand

Abstract

In this paper we report an investigation into students' perceptions of international co-op placements. The inquiry utilized a naturalistic case study approach, in which the views of 11 science and technology students from the University of Waikato and overseas partner institutions were elicited using semi-structured interviews. The inquiry revealed that students perceive international co-op placements to be highly beneficial, despite experiencing a number of logistical difficulties such as long delays in securing work permits. Other findings include the importance that students place on enculturation into the workplace, along with a perception that international co-op placements substantially enhance self-confidence.

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