Cooperative Education as a Catalyst for Retaining Talented International Students in Canada: A Qualitative Exploration
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| Title: | Cooperative Education as a Catalyst for Retaining Talented International Students in Canada: A Qualitative Exploration |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Idris Ademuyiwa, David Drewery, Anne-Marie Fannon |
| Source: | Canadian Journal of Higher Education. 2026 56(1):155-170. |
| Availability: | Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education. P.O. Box 34091, RPO Fort Richmond, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5T5, Canada. Tel: 204-474-6404; Fax: 204-474-7561; e-mail: csshe@cc.umanitoba.ca; Web site: www.cjhe-rces.ca |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Foreign Students, Immigration, Cooperative Education, College Students, Intention, Work Based Learning, College Graduates, Student Experience, Decision Making, Social Influences, Cultural Influences, Student Attitudes, Employment Level, Adjustment (to Environment) |
| Geographic Terms: | Canada |
| ISSN: | 0316-1218 |
| Abstract: | This study explores how cooperative education (co-op) influences international students' decisions to immigrate to Canada. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 former international students who graduated from the University of Waterloo's co-op program between 2014 and 2022. Through a thematic analysis of transcripts, we identified co-op's impact on immigration through school-to-work transitions. Participation in co-op enhanced skill development, clarified career preferences and pathways, and strengthened professional networks, resulting in early post-graduation employment, sometimes with a previous co-op employer. Most participants reported that their Canadian employment motivated their application for permanent residency, with some altering their initial plans to return to their home countries. However, immigration intentions were moderated by perceived barriers in Canada's immigration system, sociocultural factors, and aspirations for opportunities abroad. These findings highlight the pivotal role of co-op in supporting Canada's talent import strategy. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1504127 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study explores how cooperative education (co-op) influences international students' decisions to immigrate to Canada. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 former international students who graduated from the University of Waterloo's co-op program between 2014 and 2022. Through a thematic analysis of transcripts, we identified co-op's impact on immigration through school-to-work transitions. Participation in co-op enhanced skill development, clarified career preferences and pathways, and strengthened professional networks, resulting in early post-graduation employment, sometimes with a previous co-op employer. Most participants reported that their Canadian employment motivated their application for permanent residency, with some altering their initial plans to return to their home countries. However, immigration intentions were moderated by perceived barriers in Canada's immigration system, sociocultural factors, and aspirations for opportunities abroad. These findings highlight the pivotal role of co-op in supporting Canada's talent import strategy. |
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| ISSN: | 0316-1218 |
