Co-operative Education and Career Services

How it Works

The work term (Co-op or Internship) is a credited course for the student, with learning outcomes that build on the individual academic program. Each student is assigned a faculty Field Instructor who monitors the work term and is in occasional contact with the student and the work place supervisor.

While the student is in the workplace, they act as a regular or project employee of the organization, reporting to the pertinent supervisor as is normal for that company.

The student will also be completing assignments for the Field Instructor to demonstrate integration of academic and workplace learning. The workplace supervisor is asked to complete an evaluation of the student at the end of the work term.

Tuition Fees

Traditionally, Co-operative Education is an additional expense for a student since tuition is charged for the work term course, and in some cases it can lengthen the time to graduation as well. Both Co-op and Internships are recognized on a student's credential and transcript.

As a result of this additional commitment by students, competitive market wage or salary compensation is normally expected, although exceptions may be considered in some cases.

The difference between Co-op and Internship

Both Co-op and Internship work terms are types of Co-operative Education; however, there is a considerable variance in the way people use or understand these terms. Here is a snapshot of how these terms are used at Camosun:

Condition	Co-op	Internship
Multiple work terms required
Work terms can occur at end of student's academic program but before formal graduation	*
Student must return to school after a work term	*
Work term must apply academic learning
Recognized as credited course
Minimum of 300 hours sufficient		**
COOP-WEP, CDEV-WPS or equivalent as prerequisite
Work term monitored by faculty
Employer feedback on student performance
Assignments tied to learning outcomes & assessed by faculty
Normal tuition fee policy applies

* Exceptions may be formally granted by the CESE Exceptions Committee depending on individual and unusual circumstances.
** Depending on the program.

Because of the flexibility in Co-operative Education, it is now possible that almost any program at Camosun can offer Internships to its students. If the Co-op programs listed are not what you're looking for, please contact us as we may have further options available.

Submit a co-op job posting

Lend your expertise: Participate in a co-op workshop

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