International work opportunities

 Person planning a trip on phone while looking at world map on laptop

Are there international jobs posted in WaterlooWorks? 

Yes! WaterlooWorks is a great place to start your international job search. We post many international jobs on both the 'Co-op' job board and the 'Other' job boards. You can use various filters to narrow down your search results to postings for jobs in locations that are of interest to you.  

Postings on the 'Co-op' job board go through the standard rank/match process. Postings on the 'Other' job board give you the information you need to apply directly to the employer (not through WaterlooWorks). Both options allow you to find jobs of interest all over the world! 


Can I arrange my own job?   

Yes! There are many ways to find your own job, including positions you might find on the 'Other' job board. You will need to make sure that the location is one that can be approved for co-op credit and, that your arranged-own-job (AOJ) meets our work term requirements.  

Here are a few tips for finding your own international job: 

  • Ask a previous employer with global offices about potential opportunities.

  • Leverage your network of family, friends and contacts abroad to find out if they know about opportunities or employers interested in hiring.  

  • Talk to your co-op advisor. 

  • Visit the Centre for Career Development website for more international work search resources


Institutional partners and external organizations 

The University of Waterloo has partnered with international institutions to provide options for co-op students like you. Many co-op students have also secured work through other academic institutions or external organizations. Here are some institutions and organizations that might help you find the work abroad opportunity that is right for you.


Things to keep in mind 

The team in Co-operative and Experiential Education is here to support you with your purpose-driven career path. An international work search means new and exciting co-op opportunities, but you also need to be aware of some of the differences and plan accordingly.

  • The salaries offered to students in other countries is often lower than is expected in Canada due to the different cultural norms and wage laws. Reach out to your co-op advisor for information about typical salaries in a given country.

  • Arranging an international job can take much longer than finding a job in Canada due to differences in hiring practices, application processes for visas and permits, travel planning, etc. If you are interested in looking for international jobs, start your search as early as possible.

  • Some students may not be eligible to obtain a work permit in certain countries. Do as much research as possible in advance so that you can make an informed decision about the international job opportunities you pursue.