Lana Oconnell
The USA offers a wide range of internships for international students, providing invaluable global experience and professional development. International students can enter the US on an F-1 student visa, which allows them to work legally during or after their studies. F-1 visa holders can also apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) internships. Additionally, students can apply for J-1 visas, which offer Academic Training (AT) and are suitable for those not enrolled full-time. Visa regulations are crucial, and students must meet requirements such as English proficiency and valid passports. International students can seek guidance from their universities and professors, as well as online resources, to navigate the US job market and secure internships in various fields.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | F-1, J-1, CPT, OPT |
| Visa process | Challenging, requires a lot of paperwork |
| Internship opportunities | Paid and unpaid internships available |
| Internship fields | Science, engineering, communications, arts, hospitality, business, finance, human resources, sales, marketing, fashion, technology, entertainment, etc. |
| Internship duration | Up to 12 months, can be full-time or part-time |
| Eligibility | Enrolled in a foreign college or university or graduated within the past 12 months |
| Application process | Resume, cover letter, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, portfolio, interview |
| Competition | High, especially for paid internships |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for foreign students
Foreign students intending to undertake internships in the USA must obtain a visa. The type of visa depends on the nature of the internship and the foreign student's academic status.
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) is for foreign nationals enrolled as full-time students at an accredited academic institution or language training program in the USA. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension. CPT can be paid or unpaid, but students must have completed their first year at university and apply for authorization on their student visa. OPT internships must be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and internships can be up to 12 months, full-time, or even longer, depending on the field of study.
The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.
The J-1 visa is another option for foreign students seeking internships in the USA. The J-1 intern visa allows students and recent graduates to undergo internships for up to 12 months. To qualify, students must be currently enrolled in a foreign college or university, or have graduated within the past 12 months. The J-1 exchange visitor visa is for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.
It is important to note that the visa application process can be challenging, and applicants must meet specific requirements and adhere to strict guidelines. Seeking guidance from advisors or official government websites is recommended to ensure a smooth visa application process.
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Finding internships online
Foreign students can intern in the USA, and there are many online resources to help find these opportunities.
- Career Hub at Your University: Your university's career hub can be an excellent resource for finding internships. Career advisors can provide insider knowledge about the job market, help fine-tune your application materials, and offer guidance tailored to your region. They may also have exclusive internship listings.
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a great place to find internships with major companies and professional networking opportunities. You can build connections, follow companies, and discover hidden opportunities through your network. LinkedIn for college students offers exclusive opportunities, internships, and part-time jobs for those with a registered college email.
- Handshake: This career development site partners with many US universities and major employers, offering listings for entry-level roles and internships on and off-campus.
- USAJobs.gov: This is the official portal for federal internships, including the prestigious Pathways Program, which can lead to full-time government roles.
- WayUp: WayUp partners directly with Fortune 500s and startups, giving you access to high-profile internships and application tips tailored to students.
- Absolute Internship: This platform partners with global companies to offer in-person and remote international internships.
- Virtual Internships: This platform matches you with a global host company in your desired career industry. They provide remote internships that complement your schedule, with access to courses to build additional skills.
- Direct Applications: Many organizations in the US post internship applications online via job boards, LinkedIn, or other career-seeking websites.
Additional Tips:
- Prepare in advance and create a structured plan to follow during your internship search. Identify your strengths, professional interests, and career goals to narrow down your options.
- Consider both unpaid and paid internships. Paid internships in America can be very competitive, and smaller organizations may prefer unpaid interns.
- Ensure your resume and cover letter are well-prepared and reviewed by others before applying. A cover letter should be one page long, briefly summarizing your work history, skills, talents, and interests.
- If you are a foreign national, you will need to enter the country on a J-1 intern visa or J-1 trainee visa, which is valid for up to 12 months.
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Resume and cover letter preparation
Foreign students can intern in the USA, and there are many internship opportunities available to them. However, it can be challenging to navigate the visa process and understand the unique work culture. To begin with, foreign nationals who want to intern in the US need to enter the country on a J-1 intern visa or J-1 trainee visa.
Now, here is a guide to resume and cover letter preparation for internship applications in the USA as a foreign student:
Resume Preparation
- Before finalising your resume, have others check it. Share your resume with family members, career counsellors, and friends, and ask for comments and feedback.
- A Shorelight advisor can also support you with advice about what employers seek, virtual internships, F-1 visa USA internship and J-1 visa working conditions, and international student internship requirements.
- Your resume should provide a concise overview of your qualifications, academic and professional experiences, and achievements.
- It should also include your contact information, such as your name, address, phone number, and email.
Cover Letter Preparation
- A cover letter is a document submitted alongside your resume when applying for internships in the USA.
- It is typically one page long and includes your contact information, the employer's details, and a salutation using the hiring manager's name.
- Start by researching the company, its values, and its mission statement. Explore its website, social media profiles, and "About Us" pages to understand its goals and initiatives.
- In the body of your cover letter, showcase your relevant qualifications, experiences, and skills, and explain how they align with the company's goals and the internship's requirements.
- Highlight your motivations, ambitions, and how you would be a good organisational and cultural fit.
- Conclude by briefly summarising why you would be an ideal hire, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity, and thanking the hiring manager.
- Finally, proofread your cover letter and ask for feedback, just like you would for your resume.
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Networking and career fairs
EducationUSA, for example, holds forums and fairs internationally, bringing together advisers and US higher education institutions. Their events provide an excellent opportunity for international students to network with advisers and learn about the US college experience. The EducationUSA Forum, held in Washington, D.C., allows participants to engage with EducationUSA staff and explore strategies for reaching overseas student audiences.
College Fairs USA by Career Council Inc. is another organization that hosts college fairs, both virtual and in-person, connecting students with college recruiters, high school counselors, and parents. Their fairs offer students the chance to meet recruiters and learn valuable information about college life.
Additionally, many US colleges and universities host their own career fairs, which can be a great way to learn about internship opportunities. These fairs often feature representatives from various industries, including potential employers, who can provide insights into the US job market and available internships.
To make the most of networking and career fairs, international students should prepare in advance. This includes creating a career action plan that outlines professional goals and strengths, as well as finalizing their resume and cover letter. By being proactive and utilizing these resources, international students can increase their chances of finding internships and gaining valuable work experience in the USA.
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Interview preparation
Foreign students can intern in the USA, and there are plenty of internship opportunities available. However, it can be challenging to navigate the visa process, apply for competitive internships, and understand America's unique work culture.
Understand the Company and the Role:
Before your interview, take the time to research and understand the company's mission, values, and goals. This demonstrates your seriousness about the role and helps you decide if the internship aligns with your interests and goals.
Prepare Answers to Common Interview Questions:
Anticipate the questions you may be asked during the interview. Review common interview questions, and compile a list of potential questions specific to the position and company. Practice answering these questions out loud, either with a friend or family member, or even by yourself in front of a mirror.
Develop a List of Questions to Ask the Interviewer:
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, company priorities, and work environment. This shows that you have researched the company and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
Dress Professionally:
Whether your interview is in-person or virtual, it is important to dress professionally and appropriately for the occasion. This helps create a good first impression and makes you feel more confident and prepared.
Practice Spoken English:
If English is not your first language, take time to practice your spoken English, especially terms and vocabulary related to the job role. This ensures that you can communicate effectively and confidently during the interview.
Understand the Visa Requirements:
Be aware of the visa requirements for international interns in the USA. Foreign nationals can enter the country on a J-1 intern visa or J-1 trainee visa, which allows students and recent graduates to intern for up to 12 months. Additionally, students must have completed their first year of university and have an updated I-20 form before beginning their internship.
Utilize University Resources:
Your university or college may have a career center that assists international students in preparing for internships in the USA. They can provide practice interviews, company advice, and guidance on visa processes.
Stay Positive and Persistent:
The internship application process can be competitive and lengthy. Stay positive and keep your options open. If you don't hear back immediately, don't get discouraged. Continue working with your advisor to find and apply for suitable opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can do internships in the US. However, there are visa requirements and other considerations that must be taken into account.
Foreign nationals who want to intern in the US can enter the country on a J-1 intern visa or J-1 trainee visa. The J-1 intern visa allows students and recent graduates to undergo an internship in the US. Students and graduates must be currently enrolled in a foreign college or university or have graduated within the past 12 months. This visa is valid for up to 12 months. Alternatively, with an F-1 visa, students can do an internship under a work authorization status through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Through CPT, the internship must be related to your degree, and you must have completed at least one full academic year.
There are several ways to find internship opportunities in the US as a foreign student. Your university or college will likely have a career centre that can help international students learn more about how to apply for internships in the US. They can help with practice interviews, company advice, and more. You can also use sites like MyVisaJobs to research employers and narrow down your search.
It is important to be well-informed about the company and role you are applying for. You should research the company's LinkedIn page, official website, and reviews on Glassdoor. It is also beneficial to prepare for the interview process by practising your spoken English and researching terms related to the job role. Having others check your resume before you apply is also a good idea.
