Applicants must submit a complete application form for the specific placement to which they are applying. CUSO welcome applications from the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant, who may be interested in her/his own CUSO posting.

We do not accept general resumes and all applications must be submitted through the website. Please contact us at Cooperant@cuso.ca if you are unable to submit an application through the website or if you have questions that are not answered in the steps below.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

The Application Process

• The CUSO website maintains a list of open Cooperant placements under
  Current Opportunities. The website list is updated regularly as positions are filled and new ones added. If the current listing does not have a position that is relevant to your skills and interests, please check back or Subscribe to CUSO's distribution list to receive overseas volunteer postings and /or an electronic CUSO newsletter.
  
  
• If there is a position listed to which you wish to apply, choose the link to apply on-line. Be sure to complete all sections of the application form thoroughly. Incomplete application forms will not be accepted.
  
  
• For each placement, there is a multi-page placement description. If you have not already reviewed the full placement description, you should do so now. Applicants are advised to review the placement description for detailed information on the placement objectives, the work, terms and conditions and the support available to the Cooperant while on placement.
  
  
• When you submit an online application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail providing you with your own CUSO Personal Identification Number (PIN). The next time you apply online, use your CUSO PIN to automatically complete the application form, or to update your application information.
  
  
• If, at any time during the application process, you are required to withdraw, please call the office as soon as possible. It takes tremendous time and effort to match candidates with placements, and we will need to be informed as soon as possible.

References, Statement of Motivation and Concerns and Professional Documentation

Please have this information handy to copy and paste into your application:

• REFERENCES: CUSO requires the names and contact details of two work and one personal reference before proceeding with your application. You are encouraged to use your volunteer experiences as one of your references, if applicable. Please include e-mail addresses, if possible. For personal references, this person should be different from your work references and should not be a family member.
  
  
  
• RESUME (maximum 750 words): CUSO requires more information than is usually contained in a business resume. Please ensure that your resume provides details about your work experience, education, volunteer experience, community development experience, overseas experience and language abilities.
  
  
  
• STATEMENT OF MOTIVATION AND CONCERNS (maximum 750 words):
  In order to consider you for a placement overseas, CUSO needs to have as complete and as clear a picture of you as possible. In order to assist us, we would like you to express yourself freely to tell us who you are. The following questions are to be used as a guideline to structure your statement. In about
  one to two pages, please feel free to tell us about yourself in a way that fits
  best for you.
  
  

  • What is your interest or motivation in applying for a CUSO assignment in general?

  • How does this specific placement fit with your personal and professional goals? Why is now the right time for you to do this?

  • What is your interest, understanding and involvement in the areas of advocacy, solidarity, social justice, community development and /or volunteering? Consider choosing one or two to discuss.

  • What concerns do you have in regards to accepting a placement as a CUSO cooperant? (Please note that we expect candidates to be conscious of challenges involved in living and working as a volunteer in a developing country for an extended length of time.).