Co-operative Education Program

Innovator: Myrza Karimov, https://www.linkedin.com/in/uca-career-opportunities/

Organisation: University of Central Asia, Bishkek

Setting of the practice: hybrid 

Description of the practice:

Co-operative Education (Co-op) Program at the University of Central Asia (UCA) is a unique work-integrated learning program where students apply in-class learning to real-life professional experiences within their field of study across private, public, and community-based sectors. UCA is the first university in Central Asian region and Eastern Europe that implements Co-op as a mandatory academic program to all students at the university. 

The Co-op Program at UCA plays a central role in achieving this mission. With campuses in the mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and in the near future, Kazakhstan, providing students access to quality co-operative education opportunities in these regions and in the larger cities, enhances student employability so that upon graduation, students can stay in their communities and contribute to the economic development of their families and communities. The Co-op program of UCA is therefore embedded into the academic program and mandatory for all undergraduate students.

The Co-op curriculum that students follow is grounded in experiential learning theory, and the practice is inspired by Canadian practice of co-operative education and work integrated learning (WIL).  Students participate in curricular activities before the work term to prepare for their co-op terms.   Students and employers are supported during the work term or internship through work site visits where student learning is assessed, and workplace concerns or successes are discussed. The work term experience culminates in reflection and assessment activities such as internship reports, feedback mechanisms and assignment of grades post work term.  The Co-op Program of UCA has been developed in partnership with the University of Victoria, Canada.

Program successes have come in the form of graduates seeing high employment rates, employers appreciating the student talent they receive through the co-op program and engaging actively in recruitment and career development events, strong alumni engagement, and an appreciation of UCA’s innovative and impactful contributions to industry and educational institutions as they lead the region in quality work integrated learning.

UCA's Co-operative Education Program offers:

Experiential learning in the workplace

Application of knowledge and skills in practice

Networking with professionals

Professional Development courses

Full or part time summer and winter job placements

Nine months of work experience

On-campus paid employment

In its short lifespan of 5 years, the UCA Co-op program has served 123 students who have graduated with co-operative education as a key component of their degree program, with 77 more scheduled to graduate in 2023. Of the 123 students graduated so far, 77 are employed, 23 pursued higher education and the remaining 23 are actively involved in a job search or graduate school applications.