The co-op internship is a required component of the program of study. Details regarding the work practicum are as follows:
- Students require the co-op Work Permit when they begin their program at SSILS mainly because employers will not interview or consider an applicant for the position if the applicant does not have a Work Permit with open terms that authorizes them to work for the employer. Students are not able to secure co-op placements without a co-op permit to show prospective employers;
- Students should find employment in the tourism, hospitality, service, and/or recreation industries. A student may work in another industry if the school approves of their ability to practice their language studies;
- The student will provide their Employers with the details of their co-op work book. Details of this work book are described below;
- The student must provide monthly emails and/or reports updating his/her instructor on what language practice he/she is accomplishing and any issues he/she is having;
- The student may be required to provide a quarterly record of employment indicating how many hours have been worked.
SSILS Co-op Workbook (French program example)
The intent of the Workbook is to document your experience. Meet with your employer early in the application for work process to discuss the Workbook. He or she may have suggestions on how to present the information or on the best method to engage customers to stimulate French conversation from those customers who speak both official languages. A great deal of latitude is allowed, as each work situation is different. Generally the Workbook should include:
- Introduction to the business, with a statement on your position in the business, responsibilities, and duties that offer you the opportunity to stimulate conversations in French with at least 25% of customers during your work shift; (approximately 250 words)
- Your goals for the work term as discussed with your employer at the beginning of the term; (approximately 250 words)
- Descriptions of conversations that you engaged in that caused you challenges and where you met limitations in your ability to communicate effectively in French.
- Assessment of your success and challenges each week. What did you learn from your conversations your French language skills strengths and weaknesses? (250 words)
Format:
The Workbook should be in a Word Document titled with “your name_Co-op Work Book”. The Co-op Workbook is reviewed and approved by your instructor.
Schedule:
Week 1-2 of Co-op:
Meet with instructor and employer to review your goals for the work term
Discuss organization of the Co-op Workbook with your instructor
Weekly:
Keep an electronic diary (email yourself) of conversations that went well, and poorly, that you have worked on and an assessment of your language skill development.
Monthly:
The student must provide monthly emails and/or reports updating his/her instructor on what language practice he/she is accomplishing and any issues he/she is having;
Mid-term:
Review your workbook progress with the Co-op Coordinator (instructor).
End of Co-op Term:
Submit your completed workbook for review by the Instructor. If not adequate for program completion, it will be returned for additional work. (Failure to hand-in the Workbook by the end of your program may result in a loss of program completion confirmation).
Follow Us!