Study and Work in Canada

Business Internship Program with Paid Practicum

Although our students are not usually paid for work they perform during their practicum assignments, we do offer a limited number of paid internships. If you want to be paid for your practicum, be sure to tell us when you apply for admission to the program.

If possible, we will place you in a field that matches your career interest. This is not always possible, however, especially if you prefer a paid position. You should be open-minded about what type of work you will be doing.  Remember, the primary purpose of this program is to give you an opportunity to practice your English by becoming immersed in the Canadian work environment.

In British Columbia, the minimum wage is $8 per hour. Your wage is likely to be at, or near, the minimum rate. Although, with luck, wages might be higher, no intern should expect more than $8 per hour.

Paid assignments often involve work that might be perceived as being less interesting than might be found in an unpaid practicum. In a hotel, for example, an unpaid intern might work in the administration office and a paid intern might work in the kitchen.

You must have a Study Permit (student visa) and an Employment Permit (work visa) for this program. To obtain these, you must first obtain a Letter of Acceptance from VEC.  This letter will explain that the practicum is a required part of the program. You can submit the Letter of Acceptance when you apply for your permits.

Schedules

Paid internships are only available to students with programs of 24 weeks or more. You may choose either of the schedules shown below.

Business Internship Program (Schedule A)

Schedule A includes 12 to 24 weeks of full-time classes, followed by a 12 to 24-week practicum.

Each session is 4 weeks.

Business Internship Program (Schedule B)

Schedule B begins with 4 weeks of classes. After that, you will study part-time and work part-time until the last 4 weeks of your program. During the last four weeks, you can work either part-time or full-time, depending on what work is available. If you wish, you can study part-time. There would be a charge for the additional classes during the last four weeks of this program.

Each session is 4 weeks.

Students usually study from 9:00am to 11:50am. If required to suit the schedule of the practicum assignment, classroom instruction may be taken in the afternoon during the middle sessions. Schedule B is only offered for Business Internship Programs that are 24 or more weeks in length, whether the practicum is paid or unpaid.

Business Internship Program Fees (Schedules A & B)

The fees are the same for paid and unpaid internships. If you pay at the regular rate, you may pay session-to-session. The Summer Promotion is for students who pay all of their fees before July 31, 2006.

All About VEC

• Business Internship Program.
• Institutional Philosophy.
• Recognition.
• Course Information.
• Grading Policy.
• Attendance & Progress.
• Dispute Resolution.
• Language Policy.
• Fax & Email.
• Site Map.

Procedure for Admissions

How to Enroll at VEC

• Admission.
• Payment Methods.
• Medical Insurance
• Student Visas.
• Visa Application Assistance.
• Student ID.
• Student Checklist.