International Cooperative Education

Frequently Asked Questions

The following contains a list of the most common questions we're asked. If you do not find an answer to your question below, please feel free to contact us.

In which countries do you offer positions? | Top

Participating countries include England, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Singapore, China,Japan and Argentina. See our countries listing for more detail.

What language skills are needed? | Top

Language requirements depend on the position you are assigned. For instance, you'll simply need English for positions in England and Australia. If you are interested in a position in a non-English speaking country, you should be enrolled in a foreign language class (5 units class including grammar and literature) of your country of interest, e.g. German for Germany. Note, you must have completed at least one year of language studies and received a B or better grade before your departure on an ICE Program.

Is there an age limit? | Top

Yes. Age requirements set by foreign governments limit student work permits to applicants between the ages of 18 and 30.

Is the program open to all nationalities? | Top

Yes, with the exception of specific restrictions imposed by governments of some countries.

What are the student's obligations and responsibilities? | Top

Students selected for an ICE Program are required to:

1. Send in application with the application processing fee of US$250.
2. Participate in a personal or telephone interview with the ICE coordinator.
3. Send payment of $700 placement fee, and other fees if applicable, one week after notification of placement.
 4. Required assignments: The student, upon being awarded placement in the ICE Program, must submit a 5-page paper of intent; learn job related vocabulary; become acquainted with current events in the U.S. and host country, write a letter of introduction to the employer as well as a 10-page pre-departure paper on the host country; and, summarize the actual experience in a 15-page final report, which is due by October 1.
5. Contract for medical insurance coverage for the entire stay abroad.

What costs are involved? | Top

1.  Application fee - US$250, non-refundable, to be submitted with the application.
2.  Placement fee - A US$700, non-refundable, placement fee for professional services relating to employment placement, housing, work authorization and visa application, due one week after notification of placement.
3.  Any student holding a foreign passport, or a student residing outside of the U.S. during the placement period, is required to pay an additional US$100 to cover miscellaneous expenses.
4.  Students are required to pay for own round-trip airfare.
5.  Students must have a minimum reserve of US$1000 at the time of departure to pay for private expenses during their stay.
6.  Local academic fees, if applicable.
7.  Consular fees for work visas, if required.
8.  Students must purchase and show proof of insurance coverage for the entire stay abroad. Instructions regarding insurance requirements will be issued separately.

What is the length of the program? | Top

The program typically lasts 2-3 months starting in early June and ending in August/September.  We also offer internships that last one or two semesters.

What type of positions are available? | Top

Positions are available in retail sales, supermarkets, hotels/restaurants, agriculture, offices, hospitals, banks, computer science, engineering, marketing, recreation, and teaching.

What salary range can I expect? | Top

Salary varies between US$300 and US$2300 per month. Some firms pay a full salary while others pay a reduced salary or stipend and provide accommodations at a reduced or no cost.  A few jobs are unpaid.  Many of these jobs pay well enough for you to be able to earn back the program fee and the cost of airfare, and at least break even.  In general, the positions with corporations in Germany and Belgium pay the best. 

The positions in China generally pay at local rates (low by US standards), which may be enough to cover local expenses, but not enough to recover your expenses for flight and program fee.  The positions in South America generally provide room & board (payment-in-kind) or pay at local rates that are very low by U.S. standards.  Teaching jobs in Ethiopia are unpaid.

Can I choose the type of job I would like? | Top

You may indicate your preference. Placement will depend on language skills, previous work experience, and field of study. The availability of employment varies from country to country and the good will of an employer.  Be as specific as possible.  If you will only accept a certain type of job and are not flexible, make sure to indicate that on your application form and during the interview.  Our program works best for students who are flexible about the type of work they will accept.

What is the application deadline? | Top

Most internships occur during the summer, for which you should apply no later than mid-March to give us time to find you an appropriate internship.  Excellent internships are often available past this date, but it becomes increasingly difficult for us to place students as summer approaches.  We need time to match you with a suitable employer, and get a work permit for you through the government authorities of the country in which you want to work.

What are my chances of finding a job through ICE? | Top

The ICE director conducts an interview with students who are interested in applying, either in person on the college campus during a scheduled visit, or over the telephone.  The purpose of the interview is to determine your language fluency, people skills, and other personal characteristics necessary for working abroad.  At the end of the interview, he will tell you if he thinks you would be accepted by the employer you have requested.  Based on his 36 years of experience, if he thinks you would suit the employer, then you have about a 90% chance of getting the job.

When will I know where I may be working? | Top

As soon as the employer confirms a position, you will be notified. The placement process is lengthy and takes place from February through mid May.

After I have my interview, what happens next? | Top

Your interview with the ICE director was purely for informational purposes. Hopefully, you were able to find out what types of positions he believes you are qualified for, meaning which for which jobs he thinks he can convince the employer to hire you.  The interview does not mean that you have applied.  To apply for placement into the internships you discussed, you must first send in the application form along with an application fee of $250.  Once you later accept a position, there's an additional program fee of $700 to cover costs of work permits, housing arrangements, etc.

Can I get university credit for the internship? | Top

Many universities will allow you to earn credit via an independent study program.  If interested, make arrangements with your department in advance.  They will usually want you to submit the final report you sent to ICE.