Written by: Mikaelle Asselin-Vachali (VP Community)
Moving to a new country for work, not just to explore but to really live and work like a local, is as thrilling as it is nerve-wracking. During my Bachelor of Commerce in International Management at the Telfer School of Management, I got the amazing opportunity to do just that. My final COOP term took me to Athens, Greece, where I worked with Orphic Group, a small but incredibly lively startup. Working there was nothing like what I’d experienced before in my previous placements back home, in Ottawa. From navigating the ups and downs of international business to learning how to communicate in ways I’d never thought about, this experience left a lasting mark on me.
Adapting to the Fast-Paced, Flexible World of Startups
As a Business Development Associate at Orphic Group, I dove into the deep end of business development and marketing for two unique companies within the group: NOBL, a luxury coworking space, and Vicky Shawe, a fine jewellery brand. Coming from the more structured world of government student placements, where roles are clear and hierarchies are set, this was a whole new experience. At Orphic, no one had a single, fixed role; instead, we wore many hats, working on everything from social media content to financial planning, depending on what was needed that day. Everyone was young, passionate, and fully invested in their work, which made the environment incredibly energetic and inspiring. I quickly learned to adapt, think on my feet, and embrace the flexible, fast-paced nature of startup life. Working in a setting where we were constantly learning and shifting roles taught me how to be resourceful and open to change: skills I know I’ll be calling on again in my career
Navigating Cultural and Communication Differences
Language barriers and cultural differences required me to rethink how I communicated and listened. I had to pay close attention to clarity and simplicity to avoid misunderstandings. One of the most memorable aspects of my experience was the slower, more personal pace of the workday. We’d start around 9:30 and finish by 5:30, but before diving into tasks, there was a tradition of grabbing coffee and catching up with coworkers. I was lucky that my office had an espresso bar staffed by a barista who also happened to be the office manager for the coworking space: a double role that added to the friendly, close-knit atmosphere. Work was a blend of individual focus and spontaneous, non-scheduled huddles where we’d gather to share ideas. At first, I found myself hesitating to ask for clarifications, and sometimes I’d misunderstand directions because I was nervous about speaking up. But gradually, I learned that clear communication and active listening are essential everywhere, not just abroad, and I’m grateful to have sharpened these skills in such a unique, supportive setting.
From Theory to Real-World Solutions
One of my favourite parts of this experience was hands-on problem-solving. At NOBL, I worked on a project to gather customer feedback and use it to improve client satisfaction. Creating and analysing surveys may sound basic, but it was a big shift from the theoretical exercises we do in school. Here, the results mattered and could lead to real changes in how we approached client engagement. Seeing our efforts lead to higher satisfaction and more inquiries from clients was rewarding and showed me just how impactful customer-driven strategies can be.
Why Going Abroad for COOP is Worth It
Considering an international COOP comes with its own set of realities, especially around compensation. In my case, the pay didn’t meet Canadian minimum wage, which is important to weigh if you’re budgeting for life in a new country. Having a connection, even a distant one, can also make a big difference in securing a placement; companies abroad appreciate fresh perspectives, and they often welcome international students who bring unique insights. Despite these factors, I couldn’t recommend an experience like this more highly. Working abroad taught me adaptability, cultural awareness, and the ability to communicate across differences: skills that go far beyond the classroom. The challenges were real, but the rewards of personal and professional growth made every moment worthwhile. For those ready to take on the adventure, an international COOP is an unforgettable way to expand your horizons and step into the global business world with confidence.
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