Finnish-Canadian Trainee Exchange Program

The Finnish-Canadian Trainee Exchange Program offers internships in forestry, hotel and catering industry, information technology, business, architecture and design, and Northern and Arctic studies. The fields in which internships are available may vary from year to year.

The program is open to advanced students and recent graduates from Finnish universities and polytechnics. The applicants are required to have a good command of English or French. The program is intended for applicants with Finnish citizenship, and the maximum age for program participation is 30 years.

The duration of the internships varies from 3 to 18 months. The employer pays the intern a salary which covers reasonable living expenses, including the cost of housing. However, the interns are responsible for their travel arrangements and the full cost of travel. The interns are also responsible for housing arrangements in Canada.

The period of application closes in February. For more information, consult CIMO's Maailmalle.net portal (see Työharjoittelu > Haku maan mukaan), or contact CIMO's information service.

IAESTE Trainee Exchange

The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) is a trainee exchange network with member associations in more than 80 countries, including Finland and Canada. The program offers internships mainly in engineering and natural sciences.

The duration of the internships, which are typically served in the summer, varies from 6 to 12 weeks. However, longer placements are also available, lasting from 3 to 18 months.

The employer pays the intern a salary which covers reasonable living expenses, including the cost of housing. The employer or the local IAESTE coordinator usually arranges accommodation for the intern in Canada. The interns are responsible for their travel arrangements and the full cost of travel.

The program is open to students majoring in engineering or natural sciences in Finnish universities and polytechnics; recent graduates may also apply. Depending on the placements available each year, students and graduates of other fields related to technology and natural sciences may also qualify for program participation.

The applicants must have Finnish citizenship and a good command of English. The maximum age for program participation is 30 years.

The period of application closes in February. For more information, consult the IAESTE website and CIMO's Maailmalle.net portal (see Työharjoittelu > IAESTE-haku), or contact CIMO's information service.

Internships in
Finnish-Canadian newspapers

Each year, CIMO offers two to four internships in Finnish-Canadian newspapers for students majoring in journalism, communications, or a related field of study.

The duration of the internships is six months. CIMO pays the intern an allowance which covers living expenses, including the cost of housing. The employer provides assistance with housing arrangements.

The program is open to students with Finnish citizenship or a permanent residence permit to Finland. The applicants must have completed at least two years of university studies; previous experience in writing, editorial work and photography is also required. The maximum age for program participation is 30 years.

The period of application closes in October. For more information, consult CIMO's Maailmalle.net portal (see Työharjoittelu > Haku maan mukaan), or contact CIMO's information service.

Internships at Finpro Canada

Finpro Canada offers one or two internships a year through CIMO; these internships are served at the Finland Trade Centre in Toronto.

The duration of the internships is six months. CIMO pays the intern an allowance which covers living expenses, including the cost of housing.

The program is open to applicants pursuing studies in fields related to business or technology in a Finnish university or polytechnic. The applicants must be fluent in spoken and written English. Finnish citizenship or a permanent residence permit to Finland is also required from all applicants. The maximum age for program participation is 30 years.

The period of application closes in October. For more information, consult CIMO's Maailmalle.net portal (see Työharjoittelu > Finpron vientikeskukset), or contact CIMO's information service.

Internships at Finnish missions

The Finnish embassy and consulates in Canada occasionally offer internships for recent university graduates or advanced students. The duration of the internships is six months.

These internships are best suited for students and graduates of such fields as political science, social sciences, business, and law. The applicants must have an interest in international issues, and the capability to independently meet the challenges and the hectic pace of work in an international setting.

The program is open to Finnish citizens who have a good command of English. Knowledge of other languages as well as previous work-abroad experience are regarded as an advantage.

The period of application closes in October. For more information, consult CIMO's Maailmalle.net portal (see Työharjoittelu > Haku harjoittelupaikan mukaan > Edustustoharjoittelu), or contact CIMO's information service.

Internships in
international organizations

CIMO provides funding for self-arranged placements in international or nongovernmental organizations that have members in a minimum of five countries. The internship must be served at the headquarters, secretariat or a regional centre of the organization.

The program is open to recent university graduates and advanced students who have secured a training placement in an international organization in Canada.

Funding through this program will be available from the beginning of 2005; applications will be processed on a continuous basis. For more information, consult CIMO's Maailmalle.net portal (see Työharjoittelu > Kansainväliset organisaatiot), or contact CIMO's information service.