☰
Published on 2023-06-23
The following table outlines some differences between the terms Internship and co-op.
| Internship | Co-op | |
|---|---|---|
| Stands for | - | Cooperative education position |
| Number of terms | usually one summer or academic semester, but not always | usually multiple, but not always |
| Paid or unpaid | depending on industry or field, and as determined by the employer | paid by employers |
| Full-time or part-time | depending on employer's needs | usually full-time |
While some employers, academic departments, and organizations may acknowledge these differences, others might have their own definitions. For instance, the IRCC uses both the terms "co-op work permit" and "co-op or internship work permit" interchangeably to refer to the same thing.