Spring Break
SCDC develops Co-op abroad in Greece, India, others
Noah Cohen
Issue date: 4/13/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The Steinbright Career Development Center has begun expanding international co-op opportunities to Greece, India, Italy and Ireland Executive Director Peter Franks said Monday.
"What we are in the process of doing is developing at more jobs for Drexel students to give them more options," Franks said.
The University received an endowment from Nick Vidalakis through the work of President Constatine Papadakis to fund several students on a co-op experience in Crete.
"The President and the Provost are both very interested in the international co-op," Franks said.
Franks explained that financing a decision to co-op abroad could be difficult for some students. Airline tickets, housing and food costs can be a concern for those considering working abroad.
Franks explained that salaries in co-ops abroad may be lower because in most fields, co-ops pay higher salaries in the United States.
The funding from the Vidalakis endowment provides financially-strapped students an opportunity to co-op abroad with fewer financial worries.
Although money could be an issue for students making the decision, Franks believes that international co-ops make students more desirable to employers.
"Virtually all companies, even smaller ones are global, in the sense that they market globally," Franks said.
to see that job seekers are willing to be open-minded and learn about different cultures. He cited a study conducted at Saab Autombiles, which found that employees who had international experience were more likely to move into management and be retained by the company. This is because international co-ops can show that students are able to "think globally."
In addition to the career benefits of co-oping abroad, there are personal benefits. Franks called it a "maturing, growing experience" for students.
Members of the Dragons Aboard group echoed this sentiment.
Regina Cagle, treasurer for Dragons Aboard and a junior majoring in environmental engineering, said the international experience helped her to "gain a new perspective about the world."
Shannon Kurtas, president of Dragons Abroad and computer engineering major said, "It's the most fun you will have in the five years you have here."
Dragons Abroad is a student organization that focuses on promoting work and study abroad options to students. "SCDC reached out to us and wanted to get student perspective on these kinds of programs" said Cagle.
Both Cagle and Kurtas explained that Dragons Abroad was involved with the marketing efforts but was not directly involved with planning the new programs.
Franks explained that over the the next few of weeks, he will meet with representatives from Swedish and German schools that also practice international co-ops.
"What we are in the process of doing is developing at more jobs for Drexel students to give them more options," Franks said.
The University received an endowment from Nick Vidalakis through the work of President Constatine Papadakis to fund several students on a co-op experience in Crete.
"The President and the Provost are both very interested in the international co-op," Franks said.
Franks explained that financing a decision to co-op abroad could be difficult for some students. Airline tickets, housing and food costs can be a concern for those considering working abroad.
Franks explained that salaries in co-ops abroad may be lower because in most fields, co-ops pay higher salaries in the United States.
The funding from the Vidalakis endowment provides financially-strapped students an opportunity to co-op abroad with fewer financial worries.
Although money could be an issue for students making the decision, Franks believes that international co-ops make students more desirable to employers.
"Virtually all companies, even smaller ones are global, in the sense that they market globally," Franks said.
to see that job seekers are willing to be open-minded and learn about different cultures. He cited a study conducted at Saab Autombiles, which found that employees who had international experience were more likely to move into management and be retained by the company. This is because international co-ops can show that students are able to "think globally."
In addition to the career benefits of co-oping abroad, there are personal benefits. Franks called it a "maturing, growing experience" for students.
Members of the Dragons Aboard group echoed this sentiment.
Regina Cagle, treasurer for Dragons Aboard and a junior majoring in environmental engineering, said the international experience helped her to "gain a new perspective about the world."
Shannon Kurtas, president of Dragons Abroad and computer engineering major said, "It's the most fun you will have in the five years you have here."
Dragons Abroad is a student organization that focuses on promoting work and study abroad options to students. "SCDC reached out to us and wanted to get student perspective on these kinds of programs" said Cagle.
Both Cagle and Kurtas explained that Dragons Abroad was involved with the marketing efforts but was not directly involved with planning the new programs.
Franks explained that over the the next few of weeks, he will meet with representatives from Swedish and German schools that also practice international co-ops.
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