Internships Mid-Semester: Options For International Students

As an international student, you may be eligible to take on an internship during your studies, but there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the visa requirements and work authorization rules for international students in your host country. For instance, in the US, F-1 students can participate in internships under work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), but there are specific criteria that must be met. CPT internships must be related to your degree, and you need to have completed at least two full-time semesters. Additionally, undergraduate students may have different restrictions compared to graduate students. Understanding the specific rules and eligibility criteria is crucial before pursuing any internship opportunity.

Visa requirements for internships in the US

International students can do internships in the US, and it is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in dynamic and innovative companies. However, the visa process can be tedious and intimidating. Here is a detailed guide on visa requirements for internships in the US:

F-1 Visa:

International students already enrolled in a US college or university on an F-1 visa can intern in the US with certain requirements. Firstly, they must speak to their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure they follow the rules and maintain their student status. F-1 students can participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is a full-time or part-time training opportunity available during the school year or annual summer vacation. CPT must be related to the student's academic program and be integral to their major field of study. Students must also apply for CPT authorization and obtain an updated I-20 form before beginning their internship.

F-1 students can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be unrelated to their degree. OPT can be applied for during studies (pre-completion OPT) or after completing the program (post-completion OPT). F-1 students cannot work off-campus during the first academic year unless they have permission from their university.

J-1 Visa:

The J-1 visa is for international students who are coming to the US solely for an internship. It is a legal requirement for all interns entering the US and encourages participants to return to their home countries to apply their gained skills and knowledge. The J-1 visa has different categories:

• Intern category: For current students or recent graduates (within the past 12 months) who wish to intern in their field of study.
• Trainee category: For professionals with a degree and at least one year of experience, or individuals with five years of work experience in their chosen field.

J-1 visa applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide necessary documents. They must be sponsored by an accredited educational institution or other nonprofit institution and may be able to find internship placements through their sponsor. J-1 students cannot apply for OPT but can apply for Academic Training (AT) in a related field for up to 18 months after graduating.

Other Visas:

In addition to the F-1 and J-1 visas, there are other visa options for internships in the US, such as the B-1/B-2 visas and the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The B-1 visa is for business or volunteer programs, while the B-2 visa is for tourism, vacation, or non-credit study courses. The Visa Waiver Program allows foreign nationals from qualified countries to enter the US for business or tourism for 90 days or less without a visa.

Visa Support:

The process of obtaining a visa for an internship in the US can be challenging, and many internship placement providers offer visa support services. These providers can help with the visa application process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted and that legal obligations are understood.

In conclusion, while the visa requirements for internships in the US can be complex, with proper planning, guidance, and meeting eligibility criteria, international students can successfully navigate the process and secure valuable internship opportunities in the country.

Finding internships in your field

As an international student, you can apply for an internship as long as it meets the requirements of your student visa. If you're studying in the United States on an F-1 student visa, your visa allows you to work an internship during or after school, but you'll need to get work authorization first.

Understand the Requirements and Conditions

Firstly, it is important to understand the requirements and conditions of your student visa and the specific internship conditions. For instance, with an F-1 visa, you may not work off-campus during the first academic year unless you have permission from your university, but you can accept on-campus employment. Additionally, you'll need to get approved for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work an internship. CPT allows you to gain practical experience during the school year or on summer break, while OPT can authorize an internship before or after graduation.

Define Your Goals and Interests

Before you start your search, take the time to consider your career interests, goals, strengths, and professional interests. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on internships that align with your interests and future goals.

Utilize Your Network

Talk to your professors, advisors, and fellow students to gather insights and information about different internships. They may have valuable connections or suggestions for opportunities that fit your interests. Your professors, in particular, can provide great insight into the industry and may be aware of various internship options.

Leverage School Resources

Make use of your school's career services department and international student services office. These departments are equipped to guide international students in finding internships and can provide valuable direction. They may also offer dedicated resources to help you create and refine your resume.

Attend Career Fairs

Campus career fairs are an excellent way to meet representatives from various companies and organizations. They provide an opportunity to practice sharing your resume, building connections, and learning about different internship opportunities. Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume to leave a good impression.

Online Search and Websites

Use internship search websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Idealist.org, Internshipprograms.com, and GoAbroad.com to find opportunities. These platforms allow you to search by employer, field, date, and location, making it easier to find internships that match your interests and preferences.

Gain Relevant Experience

Participate in extracurricular activities, projects, and volunteer work related to your field of interest. This will not only help you gain relevant skills and knowledge but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to potential employers.

Prepare for Interviews

Once you've applied for internships, prepare for potential interviews by practicing with friends, family, or professors. Research the company and the role, and prepare thoughtful questions about the work. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are important qualities that interviewers look for in candidates.

Best practices for submitting internship applications

As an international student, you can apply for an internship as long as it meets the requirements of your student visa. For instance, if you're in the United States on an F-1 student visa, you can work an internship during or after school, but you'll need to get work authorization first.

Understand the Requirements

Before you start applying, it's important to understand the eligibility requirements for internships as an international student. These requirements may vary depending on your visa type and the specific rules of your host country. Make sure to speak with a designated school official (DSO) or seek guidance from your university's international student services office to ensure you're following the correct procedures.

Develop a Career Action Plan

Create a career action plan that outlines your professional goals, strengths, work experience, and interests. This will help you identify the types of internships that align with your aspirations and make the most of your skills.

Choose the Right Internships

Look for internships that relate to your major and provide hands-on experience in your desired field. Consider both your short-term and long-term goals when evaluating potential opportunities.

Utilize Your Network

Tap into your network of professors, fellow students, and advisors to seek out potential internship opportunities. They may have valuable insights or recommendations for internships that match your interests and goals. Don't be afraid to ask for advice and utilize online student forums for additional guidance.

Prepare Your Resume

Ensure your resume is up-to-date and highlights your relevant skills and experiences. A strong resume will not only get you noticed by employers but will also help you identify what you can contribute to the internship and what new skills you aim to develop. Consider creating a profile on platforms like WayUp, which allows you to include extracurriculars, hobbies, and fun facts, providing a more well-rounded picture of yourself as a candidate.

Apply Strategically

Cast a wide net by applying to a broad range of internships, aiming for about 10-20 applications. This increases your chances of receiving positive responses. At the same time, be selective and spend extra time tailoring your applications for companies that you're particularly interested in. Showcase your relevant skills, experiences, and, most importantly, your enthusiasm for the role.

Prepare for Interviews

Once you've sent out your applications, start preparing for potential interviews. Research common interview questions and practice answering them out loud to build confidence and professionalism. This will help you articulate your strengths, passions, and what makes you a valuable candidate.

Stay Organized

Keep track of your applications by creating a spreadsheet that includes details such as the job title, company name, job post URL, and the date you applied. This will help you stay organized and manage your time effectively, especially if you're applying to multiple internships.

Remember, finding and applying for internships can be a lot of work, but the benefits can be significant. Many organizations use their internship programs to recruit full-time employees, so a well-crafted application and a genuine interest in the role can increase your chances of success.

Understanding work authorization rules for international students

International students in the US on a student visa are often eligible for internships, but they must meet certain requirements. The rules for internships depend on the type of student visa held. F-1 and M-1 visas are the most common types of visas for international students in the US.

F-1 Visa (Academic Student)

With an F-1 visa, you can enter the US as a full-time student at an accredited academic institution. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and your school must be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students.

F-1 students may accept on-campus employment, subject to certain conditions and restrictions, but they may not work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is an off-campus employment option that allows students to gain practical experience through internships, cooperative education, or other types of required practical training. To qualify for CPT, the work experience must be required for the student's degree, or they must receive academic credit. CPT employment can be part-time or full-time and is authorized by the student's Designated School Official (DSO). CPT must be an integral part of the student's degree program and related to their major field of study.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is a form of off-campus employment authorization that allows students to work in their field of study. F-1 students may be eligible for OPT during or after their studies. To apply for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least 9 months and must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US and can be full-time or part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while the student is enrolled.
• Severe Economic Hardship: In cases of severe economic hardship, F-1 students may be authorized to work off-campus. Severe economic hardship may be caused by unforeseen circumstances such as loss of financial aid, substantial increases in living costs, or medical bills. To apply for this type of employment authorization, students must work with their International Student Office and obtain an EAD.

M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)

The M-1 visa is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. Students with an M-1 visa may be able to apply for internships through their sponsor, as they must be sponsored by an accredited educational or other nonprofit institution.

J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor)

J-1 students are typically enrolled in work- or study-based exchange visitor programs approved by the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. J-1 students cannot apply for OPT but can apply for Academic Training (AT) in a field related to their program for up to 18 months after graduating. J-1 visa holders who are not enrolled in a degree program can apply for a J-1 Intern or J-1 Trainee visa to pursue internships in the US.

General Considerations

• Each student visa has specific internship conditions, so it is important to review the terms and conditions of your visa carefully.
• To maintain their student status, international students must follow the rules and regulations governing their visa type and any employment or training authorizations.
• Students should work closely with their school's International Student Office or DSO to ensure they have the appropriate authorizations in place before beginning any internship or employment.
• When seeking internships, international students can utilize their school's career services, network with professors and students, and use internship search websites.
• It is beneficial to create a career action plan to identify professional goals and strengths and to narrow down internship options.

Knowing if your internship is eligible for college credit

While there is limited information on the rules around international students doing internships during the semester, I have found some information on knowing if your internship is eligible for college credit.

College internships are a great way to learn about a job and gain experience in an industry. They can also help you earn credits toward graduation. The number of credits will vary by school and program, but the internship will typically count as one class. Some programs even require students to complete an internship in order to graduate.

To know if your internship is eligible for college credit, you should check if your department has a designated course that falls under the name “professional experience / field experience / internship in [your field of study]" ". If it carries academic credit, you are likely eligible for college credit. You will need your department’s approval and to sign a contract with the department.

To earn college credit for your internship, you may have to keep a record of what you learned or write an essay at the end of the internship. You may also have to request the college credit for the internship from your advisor in advance of starting the internship. For example, when you register for classes, you may have to know if you will be working a for-credit internship as it would count as one class for that next semester.

It is worth noting that internships are typically for students and not for graduates, as at that point, you should be seeking out actual entry-level/junior positions.

Frequently asked questions