Cooperative education

Cooperative education (or co-operative education) is a structured method of combining <a href="/facts/Learning_environment/P0WBWaLA">classroom-based education</a> with <a href="/facts/Internship/IT2WCE7P">practical work experience</a>.
A cooperative education experience, commonly known as a "co-op" or work-study program, provides academic credit for structured work experiences, helping young people in <a href="/facts/School-to-work_transition/Kxu8HFHs">school-to-work transition</a>.
It falls under the umbrella of work-integrated learning (alongside internships, service learning, and clinical placements) but is distinct, as it alternates a school term with a work term, reflecting a partnership between the academic institution and the employer, intended to advance the education of the student.
Co-op jobs are more in-depth and last a longer period than a traditional internship, making it more valuable to students in the workforce. They allow for more networking opportunities, better income, stronger resume, and an overall unique learning experience.
The <a href="/facts/University_of_Waterloo/NANSHN5Y">University of Waterloo</a> operates the largest <a href="/facts/Higher_education/6GjdtJap">post-secondary</a> co-op program in the world, with nearly 20,000 co-op students enrolled over three semesters in more than 120 programs.

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Cooperative education