Frequently Asked Questions about International Co-op

Start by researching the cost of living in the city/country that you are interested in pursuing. Often, living expenses abroad are less than living expenses in Philadelphia.

Check out Going Global (in the Resource section) for cost-of-living information.

All students who are approved for an international co-op whose GPA is a minimum of 2.5 may be eligible for a financial award from Steinbright to help with the expense of living and working abroad.

If you have secured a job abroad, check with your co-op employer for any tips on how to secure housing. Check out area colleges and universities in the specific location to get information about student housing in the area.

If you live on-campus and secure a co-op position which is located more than 10 miles from Drexel's campus, you are able to get out of your housing agreement.

If you live off-campus and have a lease, talk to your landlord about your options. Look into sub-letting your apartment to another student or friend for the time period you will be away on co-op.

It is understandable that parents or guardians may have questions about you working in another country. The best thing that you can do is provide them with as much information about your proposed co-op experience as possible. Do some research on the country and what it is like to live there. Guide your parents to review the information regarding international co-op on this website and/or encourage them to email their questions to internationalcoop@drexel.edu.

See our Family Co-op and Career Resources for more information.

The main difference is that with international co-op you will be working, whereas study abroad generally just includes studying. Typically, students study abroad with a group of other Drexel students. There are some international co-op opportunities that involve a group of students, however, the majority are independent experiences.

Securing a co-op job abroad can provide you with a distinct advantage in the global economy. By living and working abroad, students will better understand the interdependency of countries and will have a first-hand look at the ever-evolving global economic landscape. Students who choose an international co-op experience will enhance their employability, gain an international perspective in their field, heighten their understanding of the world, and broaden their cultural knowledge.

To be eligible to participate in Drexel University's International Co-op program, students must:

• Attend Drexel full-time
• Be in good academic standing (a minimum GPA of 2.0)
• Have successfully completed at least one co-op experience with an acceptable or above average evaluation or in lieu of a co-op experience, equivalent prior work experience will be considered and evaluated
• Other requirements include foreign language proficiency (depending on country) and an approved application and all submitted materials through the International Co-op Portal.