Business co-operative education, or co-op, is an integrated approach to education that enables undergraduate Business students to alternate academic terms -- typically 3 to 4 months -- with paid, relevant work experience in their chosen field. The practical experience gained on these work terms is an integral part of the student's education. The term "co-operative education " emphasizes the relationship between the employer, the student and the Business program. At the completion of the co-op term, a student is typically required to submit a written "work term " report. While most co-op opportunities are located close to the Business school, some may be national or international in nature. Many Business programs in the US offer some version of co-op, either on a mandatory or optional basis, or as a short-term work experience most frequently referred to as an "internship."