In Canada the system is slightly different. We usually don't have as many internships as we have coops. The main differences between the two are the following:
* Coop is usually paid
* It's usually technical.
* Some universities have programs to support coops.
The biggest coop program is from the University of Waterloo. All engineering students are required to take part in the program which combines work and school by alternating between a school semester and work semester. The university has it's own job posting website, and it actively foes looking to find more employers to offer jobs. It also makes sure that the student gets to do real work, not make coffee all day. If a student feels like he's getting the short end of a stick with a job, he can complain to the university which will look into it and clear things up.
* Coop is usually paid * It's usually technical. * Some universities have programs to support coops.
The biggest coop program is from the University of Waterloo. All engineering students are required to take part in the program which combines work and school by alternating between a school semester and work semester. The university has it's own job posting website, and it actively foes looking to find more employers to offer jobs. It also makes sure that the student gets to do real work, not make coffee all day. If a student feels like he's getting the short end of a stick with a job, he can complain to the university which will look into it and clear things up.
Disclaimer: I am a student at uWaterloo.