Academic Journal

Cooperative Education as a Catalyst for Retaining Talented International Students in Canada: A Qualitative Exploration

Λεπτομέρειες βιβλιογραφικής εγγραφής
Τίτλος: Cooperative Education as a Catalyst for Retaining Talented International Students in Canada: A Qualitative Exploration
Γλώσσα: English
Συγγραφείς: Idris Ademuyiwa, David Drewery, Anne-Marie Fannon
Πηγή: Canadian Journal of Higher Education. 2026 56(1):155-170.
Διαθεσιμότητα: 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
Ημερομηνία έκδοσης: 2026
Τύπος εγγράφου: 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)
Γεωγραφικοί όροι: Canada
ISSN: 0316-1218
Περίληψη: 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
Αριθμός Καταχώρησης: EJ1504127
Βάση Δεδομένων: ERIC