
USF offers a variety of internship opportunities for its students, including international internships. The School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies (SIGS) encourages international studies majors to complete an internship as part of their undergraduate degree program. Students can also pursue international internships independently or through recognized study abroad providers that USF has an agreement with. International students at USF can participate in a Co-op, a form of Curricular Practical Training (CPT), as long as they are eligible according to the guidelines provided by the International Services Office.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students | Can participate in internships using their CPT as long as they are eligible to do so |
| Co-op | A form of Co-curricular Practical Training (CPT) |
| CPT | An academic learning experience that allows students to apply theoretical knowledge and skills in a practical work environment |
| OPT | Temporary work authorization that gives F-1 students an opportunity to apply knowledge in a practical off-campus work experience in their field of study |
| Academic credit | International students can earn academic credit for internships |
| Requirements | Submission of a weekly email to the internship instructor, a final journal describing the skills learned, and an evaluation by the on-site intern supervisor |
| Application | An offer letter from the organization, a personal statement, and a minimum of 12 credit hours for international students |
| Eligibility | Determined by the International Services Office |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

International students can do internships at USF
USF offers a wide range of internship opportunities for its students. International students at the University of South Florida can participate in internships, which can be a great way to gain valuable work experience and build essential skills for their future careers.
The School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies (SIGS), for instance, encourages international students majoring in International Studies to complete an internship as part of their undergraduate degree program. While it is not a mandatory requirement, it does provide students with real-world experience that can benefit them when they start their careers. International students in the SIGS program can earn up to 6 credits through paid or unpaid internships with an international focus, which can be counted towards their degree as an INT elective. To earn these credits, students must register for the INR 4943 course and fulfil all its requirements.
International students at USF can also take advantage of the Co-op program, which is a form of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical work environment. To be eligible for the Co-op program, international students must register for at least 1 credit hour as instructed by the International Services Office. Additionally, they must maintain their full-time student status by enrolling and completing a minimum number of credit hours, while also ensuring their work hours do not exceed 20 hours per week.
USF also offers global internships and international internship placements through its affiliates and other universities or organizations. These internships may provide transfer credits or USF credits prior to the start of the internship. The USF Global Learning Office provides support and resources for students seeking international internships, including assistance with visa requirements.
Overall, USF provides numerous internship opportunities for international students to enhance their academic and professional development, allowing them to gain valuable experience and build a strong foundation for their future careers.
Mining Crypto as an International Student: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$17.02 $19.95
$14.36 $15.95

CPT eligibility for internships
CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is an academic learning experience that allows international students on an F-1 visa to gain work experience by applying theoretical knowledge and skills in a practical work environment. To be eligible for CPT, you must meet the following requirements:
Full-Time Student Status:
You must be enrolled as a full-time student for the semester you wish to pursue CPT, except during your final semester. You must also have completed at least one academic year as an F-1 student in a degree-seeking program before becoming eligible for CPT.
Major-Related Internship:
The internship must be directly related to your major area of study. It should contribute to the required credits needed to complete your degree or be a fieldwork/practicum requirement as part of your curriculum.
Academic Progress:
You must maintain satisfactory academic progress and ensure that your CPT employment does not interfere with your academic studies.
US-Based Employer:
The CPT internship must be with a US-based employer, and the training must take place within the United States.
Course Enrollment:
You must be enrolled in the course connected to CPT, such as an internship class or a specific department-related course.
CPT Application:
You must complete the CPT application process, which includes submitting the CPT I-20 Request Form, providing details about your employer, and explaining how the internship is curricular.
It is important to note that CPT authorization is crucial for internships within the United States. If you are considering an internship outside the US, different regulations may apply, and CPT authorization may not be necessary.
How International Students Can Get an ITIN
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$52.25 $65

Academic credit for internships
The University of South Florida offers international students several opportunities to gain academic credit for internships. The School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies (SIGS), for instance, encourages International Studies majors to complete an internship as part of their undergraduate degree program. Students can earn up to six credits for paid or unpaid internships with an international focus, which can be counted as an INT elective. To earn these credits, students must register for INR 4943 - Internship in International Studies and complete all requirements for this course.
Similarly, the Journalism and Digital Communication Department offers students the chance to earn six credits for internships. Students who have completed substantial work for the campus newspaper, The Crow's Nest, or for Neighborhood News Bureau, may be granted permission to enrol for a first internship with six credits. Students who remain in the major can later enrol in a second internship, which should differ substantially from the first, allowing them to learn new skills.
USF also offers an all-majors internship course, IDS 3947, which can be taken for 0-6 credits and repeated for up to six credits. This course can be used for on-campus, off-campus, and global internships.
For students participating in a Co-op program, which is a form of Co-curricular Practical Training (CPT), international students may be able to earn academic credit for their experience. To do so, they must register for at least one credit hour per instructions from the International Services Office.
Finally, USF students may seek out international internships that offer transfer credit or request USF credit prior to their internship. All international internship placements offered by an affiliate partner are available to USF students. Students should discuss their interest with a member of the Global Learning Office before depositing funds with an organisation that is not affiliated with USF.
Work in Dubai: International Students' Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Finding internships
The University of South Florida (USF) offers a wide range of internship opportunities for its students. While the university encourages internships for its International Studies students, it is not a mandatory requirement for their degree. However, it provides valuable real-world experience that can benefit students in their careers. USF offers both on-campus and off-campus internships, including international internship placements.
- The Center for Career & Professional Development: This USF department assists students in finding internships and earning academic credits. They offer guidance on career decisions, job searches, and part-time or full-time jobs.
- Department Opportunities: Various departments at USF, such as Journalism and Digital Communication, post internship opportunities on their websites, bulletin boards, and through emails. They also encourage students to reach out to local newspapers, magazines, and news organizations to explore potential internships.
- USF Career Services: USF's Career Services provides resources and support for students seeking internships, co-ops, or jobs. They offer guidance on CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Off-Campus Employment) options for international students.
- Global Learning Office: For students interested in international internships, the USF Global Learning Office helps find suitable programs. They offer various program types to meet individual needs and ensure that students register their internships and travel plans with the university.
- School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies (SIGS): SIGS specifically encourages International Studies majors to pursue internships. They allow up to 6 credits of paid or unpaid internships with an international focus to count towards elective credits. Students can enrol in INR 4943 to earn credits for their internships.
- USF Affiliates: USF has agreements with recognised study abroad providers and institutions that offer international internship placements. These affiliates can provide additional support for visa processes and offer transfer credits for internships.
International Students: Getting an ABN in Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Requirements for internships
International students at USF can participate in internships, which are a great way to gain valuable experience and build essential competencies that employers look for. Here are the requirements for internships at USF:
- Academic Standing: International students must be in good academic standing with USF to be eligible for internships.
- Credit Hours: Students must enrol and complete a minimum number of credit hours, which may vary depending on their program and student status (e.g., undergraduate or graduate). For instance, international students on a Co-op program must register for at least 1 credit hour as per instructions from the International Services Office.
- Work Hours: International students on a Co-op program must not work more than 20 hours per week.
- Site Supervisor: Each intern must have a supervisor at their internship site who will provide a job description and complete an evaluation of the intern's performance at the end of the internship.
- Application Materials: Students must submit an application form, an offer letter from the organisation outlining duties and expected hours, and a personal statement of at least 300 words that includes the organisation's mission statement.
- Deadlines: USF has specific deadlines for submitting internship applications, which students must adhere to.
- Academic Credit: If the internship employer requires the student to earn academic credit, they must meet certain prerequisites set by the department before issuing a permit to register for internship academic credits.
- Registration: International internships should be registered with the USF Global Learning Office. Students can seek guidance from the Global Learning Office before committing to an unaffiliated organisation.
- Visa Support: If a visa is required for an international internship, USF affiliates can provide additional support with the visa process.
- Journalism and Media: Students in the Journalism and Media department have specific requirements, such as submitting a weekly email to the internship instructor and a final journal describing the skills learned.
It is important to note that internship requirements may vary across departments and programs at USF, so students should refer to their specific department's guidelines. Additionally, international students should consult with the International Services Office for eligibility guidelines.
Unlocking USA Scholarships: A Guide for International Students
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can do internships at USF. International students may participate in the Co-op program using their CPT as long as they are eligible to do so.
CPT is an academic learning experience that allows students to apply theoretical knowledge and skills gained through coursework in a practical work environment.
There are many ways to find an internship at USF. The department internship opportunities are posted on bulletin boards in the office and students are emailed when they become available. Students can also call area newspapers, magazines, or other news organizations.
International internships should be registered with the USF Global Learning Office. Students must also submit an application for admission prior to the initiation of an internship to earn academic credits.
Yes, international students can get academic credit for internships. Students can enroll in the IDS 3947 internship elective course for 0-6 credits.

































