Students often dream of working in another country where they can explore a new culture while growing their skills. However, salaries for co-op positions abroad may not cover the costs of flights and housing, making these roles inaccessible for some students.
Fortunately, Waterloo donors recognize the value of a work term abroad. Through gifts of all sizes, they are helping more students access international and non-profit opportunities they might not otherwise consider. The resulting co-op experiences can transform the lives of both students and the communities they work in.
In the winter 2025 term, University of Waterloo Math students Rewa Shukla and Bruce Wu worked in Thailand for Inclusive Education Foundation (InEd). The non-profit organization helps to provide access to education to nearly 200,000 migrant children whose families have fled violence and political instability in neighbouring Myanmar.The need is pressing. More than half of all migrant children in Thailand don't go to school, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. InEd works with families, youth and teachers in various ways, from helping families enrol their children in school to creating training and resources for migrant teachers.
Funding from the Steele Family Foundation's Change makers in co-op program made Bruce and Rewa's work terms possible. The program enables the University's co-operative education program to offer meaningful co-op opportunities with the Foundation's partner organizations non-profits like InEd that are eager for Waterloo talent but may not have the budget to hire. Thanks to the Foundation's investment, Rewa and Bruce received financial support to develop their skills, explore careers in the non-profit sector and make a difference for hundreds of kids.
Thanks to donor support, Waterloo Math students Rewa Shukla and Bruce Wu spent a rewarding co-op term helping improve access to education for migrant children in Thailand. Here, children are enrolling in school at a migrant learning centre.
Looking beyond "traditional" math co-op termsRewa is in her first year of the honours Math program at Waterloo. Bruce is pursuing a double degree in mathematics at Waterloo and business at Wilfrid Laurier University. The two students reacted differently when they saw the posting for media and communication interns funded by the Steele Family Foundation.
"I have always been someone who has given back to the community," Rewa said. "So, when I saw the posting, I thought, This is great because it's a nonprofit organization. I could get paid for doing something I love.'"
While he also enjoys volunteering, Bruce was looking for a work term in big tech or finance. What he learned about InEd during the recruitment process changed his mind about working for a non-profit.
"The work sounded interesting and fulfilling. I decided to try something that wasn't related to my degree but could open up my perception of the world."
Sharing tech expertiseEven though this role was far different from the work terms he'd initially pursued, Bruce still found ample opportunity to use his knowledge of coding and project management.
He developed two apps a digitalized inventory system and another to track children's enrolment information. He applied his knowledge of organizational behaviour to help identify team goals, create a clear project plan and replace a cluttered document with a well-structured Excel sheet.
Bruce also helped prepare materials for a major research conference. By sharing formatting tips, he saved staff members hours of work.
Teaching teachersIn communities along the Thailand-Myanmar border, teaching is often seen as a community service, not a profession. Many migrant teachers acquire their skills through hands-on experience rather than formal training. And like other migrants, they are dealing with the challenges and trauma of displacement.
Bruce explained that most of these teachers work at migrant learning centres. They teach primary school-aged children or adults who want to improve their literacy or prepare for General Education Development (GED) exams.
As part of their responsibilities during their co-op work terms, the two Waterloo students helped teachers improve their English proficiency and math skills. For Rewa, this was one of the most meaningful parts of her role.
"I was able to help them build the necessary knowledge so they can teach their students. It creates a ripple effect. Students get access to quality education and an opportunity to improve their future. It all ties back to InEd's mission of bridging those gaps in the education system."
A mindset shiftEven though they faced challenges like language barriers and homesickness, both Rewa and Bruce say the experience changed them for the better.
"This was my first work term and it's been a great experience," Rewa said, "I'd never lived alone before coming here. I've stepped out of my comfort zone and learned a lot of new things.
"Professionally, I've had a mindset shift," she continued. "Being here in this culture has made me realize there is more to life than the corporate hustle. Seeing first-hand how education can directly change lives has reinforced how small efforts can make big impacts and lasting changes on people's lives. This experience helped me realize that no matter what career path I take, I want to continue giving back to the community."
Bruce still wants to try corporate life but "this has been such an eye-opening experience for me. I've seen how an individual can affect global issues. For instance, in the enrolment app's database, there are the names of more than 1,000 kids who are getting better access to education and the help they need. It's something I'll take with me for the rest of my life."
A single donation has such a big impact. It's a trickle-down effect You're not just helping one person. You're helping a person, an organization and a community and in this case, the next generation.
BRUCE WU, Co-op student
Generosity's trickle-down effect
Both students said that without the support of the Steele Family Foundation, this work term would not have been financially possible for them.
Before accepting the role at InEd, Bruce was offered a job in Turkey. "It paid $300 a month and as much as I wanted an opportunity, I was going to come back to university broke. When I saw the Change makers role, what it was about with funding attached, I knew I had to compete and apply for the opportunity."
"I'd like to thank the donors from the bottom of my heart for making this experience possible for students like me," Rewa said. "Their support has allowed me to grow professionally and personally. It truly has been life-changing."
But as Bruce noted, students' lives aren't the only ones that change when donors invest in co-op education.
"A single donation has such a big impact. It's a trickle-down effect," he said. "You're not just helping one person. You're helping a person, an organization and a community and in this case, the next generation. It's such a big impact and it's so appreciated."
On May 15, the University of Waterloo will launch our first Giving Day. This event encourages you to support the Waterloo initiatives you care most about like helping our students and communities reap all the benefits of co-op and connect with other donors to increase the impact of your gift. Join us on Giving Day and help Waterloo build a better tomorrow.
Build tomorrow. Invest in co-op students.
