Co-Op Programme

What to Expect from the Co-Op Programme

The Co-Op Programme combines language learning with a volunteer workplace experience. It involves two stages.
First, you complete a language course (minimum 4 weeks).
Next, you are placed in a Canadian company as a volunteer (also a minimum of 4 weeks, maximum 12 weeks).

The workplace assignment is an integral part of the Co-Op programme as it allows you to put your language skills to use in real-life situations.

Description of the Programme

In Montreal, Co-Op students have the unique opportunity to undertake a bilingual volunteer assignment. Both languages are used in the workplace. The official language of the province of Quebec is French although Montreal is the centre of English business for the province. LSC Co-Op students are required to have high-intermediate French skills for their placement. An ability in English is also required. There is no minimum requirement for English but a stronger ability will enhance your opportunities for a suitable assignment.

In Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, Co-Op students benefit from an English volunteer assignment. Minimum ability is high-intermediate.

The volunteer assignment begins the week after you have completed the language course component at LSC. The duration of the volunteer assignment cannot exceed the length of the language course. For example, a student who takes a 4 week course may only take a maximum 4 week assignment. A student who studies for 8 weeks can take a maximum 8 week assignment. The volunteer assignment can be shorter than the language studies if so wished (minimum 4 weeks). Maximum length of the volunteer assignment is 12 weeks.

You can expect to volunteer from approximately 20 hours to 37.5 hours per week.

Language Course

Co-Op students can choose to enrol in any combination of the following:

  • 30 Lessons (English in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver; French or English in Montreal)
  • 25 Lessons (English in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver; French or English in Montreal)
  • 20 Lessons (English in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver; French or English in Montreal)
  • International Business English Programme (in Montreal, Calgary,Toronto and Vancouver)

Any combination of the above courses may be taken before being placed as a volunteer in a Canadian company. Minimum study is 4 weeks.

The required course means that Co-Op students must study a minimum of 30 Lessons for 4 weeks. Outside of this 4-week period, Co-Op students can choose programmes of other lengths.

Required Skills Studies Course

Co-Op students take a required Skills Studies course which is 4 weeks long.

Workplace Readiness for English assignment (Calgary,Toronto and Vancouver)

Préparation à un Stage à l'Enterprise for bilingual French/English assignment (Montreal)

In the required Skills Studies course, you will perfect your resume, receive tips on interview techniques and learn the practical communication skills you need in order to be successful in both the interview stage and during the volunteer experience.

The Skills Studies course is an advanced course and is offered every session. You may start any week but must take all four units (4 weeks).

You may take your language studies at any LSC Centre. The required Skills Studies course must be taken at the same centre as the volunteer assignment.

Failure to meet Minimum Ability After Completion of Studies

Should you still not meet the minimum ability of advanced by the end of the booked language studies at LSC, the school will continue to try to make a Co-Op assignment on your behalf. The type of assignment that can be arranged will be limited by your language ability.

The Volunteer Assignment

The purpose of the volunteer assignment is to provide real experiences for use of the language. The volunteer assignment can be 4-12 weeks. The length of the assignment cannot exceed that of the language course although it can be shorter than total language studies. Co-Op students can expect to volunteer approximately 20 to 37.5 hours per week.

During the assignment, you are welcome to discuss any issues regarding your experience with the Co-Op Co-ordinator.

Application Requirements

We recommend that you complete the LSC written placement test first to ensure that the minimum score is met before proceeding with the application requirements.

If you would like to apply for the Co-Op Programme, please contact an authorized LSC representative for a placement test.

Students who wish to enroll in the Co-Op Programme must complete a specialized Co-Op Enrolment Form in addition to completing the general LSC Enrolment Form (for course and accommodation requirements).

All application requirements must be completed in advance of confirmation of acceptance. You submit the completed enrolment form, your resume and essay to LSC. The essay is a one-page composition outlining your interest in the Co-Op programme, your professional experience and career goals.

As part of the Co-Op Enrolment Form, you choose 3 volunteer fields, so that LSC can start contacting Canadian companies on your behalf.

The final volunteer assignment placement depends