Worldwide Independent Experiences

Dreaming of a unique international work or study experience? With the University of Cincinnati’s Worldwide Independent Experiences, you can design your own global adventure outside our established programs. Whether it’s a cooperative education (co-op) placement or an Experiential Exploration Program (EEP) as an alternative to required co-op, you can earn UC course credit while gaining global skills.

Your Responsibilities for Worldwide Independent Experience 

As the architect of your international experience, you’ll handle these key tasks:

  • What to do: Research and apply for any required visas or travel documents for your destination. Visit Passports and Visas to learn more.
  • Pro tip: Start early, as visa processes can vary. Visit your host country’s embassy or consulate website for details.
  • Academic Registration: Notify your academic or co-op advisor about your plans and enroll in the appropriate UC course(s) to earn credit.
  • UC International Registration: Document your experience in the UC International online database by completing a risk management application. This includes uploading travel documents, completing questionnaires, purchasing international insurance, and applying for scholarships.

Discover global jobs and internships with these resources (login with your UC username and password):

  • Interstride: Connect with global opportunities and career-building tools.
  • Handshake: Browse UC-tailored internships and jobs.
  • CareerShift: Use this database to find job connections, save opportunities, and manage applications.
  • LinkedIn: Network with professionals and explore international postings.

Pro Tip: If you're currently employed as a co-op with a company that has international locations, consider asking your manager about the possibility of participating in an international co-op program.

Yes, you can! Smart planning makes international experiences affordable. Visit Understanding Funding to learn about budgeting, financial aid, and scholarships that can help. 

Student spotlight 

Marianne Cadio, Japan

Group of people smiling at the camera during a nighttime outdoor event, with rows of illuminated lanterns on either side.

University of Cincinnati Architecture student Marianne Cadio in Tokyo, Japan

Marianne Cadio, an architecture student at the College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning (DAAP), participated in a Worldwide Independent Co-op at Schemata Architects in Tokyo, Japan. Reflecting on her experience, she shared: 

”For my last of 3 co-ops I had the wonderful opportunity to intern at Schemata Architects, an architecture and interiors firm based in Tokyo, but with projects all over Japan and around the world. There I was able to partake in many different projects including designing furniture for a hotel in Ireland, exteriors for a renovation in Japan, and ultimately leading a design team where we created the graphics and base formatting for a book the firm was writing. This experience taught me numerous things, but in particular, it taught me how to better manage a group of people, it gave me wonderful professional connections in Tokyo, and it helped me realize my passion for visualizations and particularly the ways visualizations and practice can go hand in hand in the field.”