International Co-op
For Students
Are you thinking about co-op, but also contemplating studying abroad for a semester? Do you want to take advantage of all of the opportunities available to you at Penn State and still graduate in a reasonable time frame? If you have a desire to travel abroad and an interest in co-op, then you may want to consider participation in the International Co-op Program.
To be eligible, students must have...
- completed at least one domestic co-op rotation prior to applying for an international position.
- be available to work abroad for a minimum of six months (semester plus a summer recommended).
- have the financial resources to obtain necessary work visas and to handle transportation and housing costs abroad. Some international assignments may not be paid, so financial resources are important to consider before applying.
To date, students have been placed in positions abroad on a case-by-case basis. Past co-op students have worked in Brazil, England, Germany, France, and New Zealand.
International Co-op Students' Comments
 | "Now, as a second year osteopathic medical student, I am striving to make as much of an impact on global health issues as the Co-op Program made on me. My experience in Brazil allowed me to take notice of the existence of and the disparities in living, breathing, medical science in a part of the world many American people rarely think about." |
 | "When in your life are you going to have six months to spend in another country? Yes, it's a big step. Sure, I was worried about taking it. But I have no regrets. I gained lab experience, made new friends, and saw a different part of the world. There are lots of interesting people, places, and things to see out there. Take six months for an adventure, meet new people, and see what the rest of the world has to offer." |
 | "I decided to co-op abroad because I wanted the opportunity to get out of the U.S. and get a feel for another culture. I met this goal, and I have gained a much broader perspective on world events and international politics, and made several important contacts who hopefully will provide me with letters of recommendation for graduate school. I also improved my language skills, which I think will make me a more desirable applicant to programs. Certainly, a few short sentences cannot do justice to a six-month experience, but my decision to go abroad was the best one of my college career, and I encourage everyone who has the opportunitiy to seize it." |
 | "Working in New Zealand has proven to be nothing short of an adventure, and I have gained as much life experience out of these four months as I have from the rest of my four years in college." |
 | "The most important thing to remember when embarking on an international co-op assignment is don't be afraid - you must have an open mind to learning new things and experiencing new situations. The experience I have gained through participation in this program has been invaluable." |
 | "My co-op assignments with the DKFZ (Deutches Krebsforschungszentrum) were amazing experiences, since they allowed me to integrate learning about my two most favorite things: science and different cultures and peoples. I was surrounded by very prestigious scientists from all over the world, who brought a wide range of knowledge with them." |
For more information about international co-op opportunities, or if you are interested in studying abroad, please contact Susan Knell at sek104@psu.edu or co-op@science.psu.edu.
This page maintained by Science Career and International Education, Eberly College of Science, 108 Whitmore Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, 814.865.5000, FAX 814.863.8466, Email co-op@science.psu.edu
This page was last updated 03 January 2008
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