Landing Your Dream Internship in the USA: A Guide for Foreign Students

The United States beckons as a land of opportunity, especially for international students seeking to enhance their education with practical experience. From innovation and technology hubs to finance, healthcare, and entertainment meccas, the U.S. excels in a wide array of fields. The prospect of interning in the U.S. is exciting, but navigating the application process, understanding visa requirements, and adapting to the American work culture can seem daunting. However, with proper preparation and guidance, international students can successfully secure internships that provide invaluable career experience.

In fact, Forbes reported that 1,057,188 international students headed to the U.S. from 2022 to 2023, an increase from the previous year. There’s no reason that you can’t be among this number.

Eligibility and Visa Requirements

Yes! International students can do internships in the US. While you don’t have to be a student to intern in the US (there are still internships available for postgraduates and non-students) being a current student often makes the application easier.

F1 Visa for Students Already in the U.S.

International students already studying in the US can undergo an F1 visa internship. This is typically easier because the paperwork is already filled out for their F1 student visa and study abroad purposes.

If you are already studying in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa, you have options for internships. You can explore opportunities both on and off-campus, choosing between two primary pathways:

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Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This option allows you to participate in degree-related internships, whether paid or unpaid. To be eligible, you must have completed your first academic year at university.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT provides opportunities for internships that may or may not be directly related to your degree. As with CPT, you must have completed at least one academic year before applying for OPT authorization.

Both CPT and OPT require you to obtain work authorization before commencing your internship.

J-1 Visa for Internships

Those coming to the US solely for an internship will likely need to enter on a J-1 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.

The J-1 trainee visa is for those who have a degree or professional certificate from an academic institution and at least one year of professional work experience.

Important Considerations for J-1 Student Interns

The sole purposes of J-1 Student Internship is to promote the educational objectives of the foreign student’s current degree program. By definition student interns are fulfilling requirements for an overseas degree by engaging in activities outlined on Form DS-7002.
J-1 Student Interns cannot participate in any clinical care positions or any other position that involves patient contact. Any work that would require them to provide therapy, medication, or other clinical or medical treatment is prohibited.
Interns cannot work in unskilled or casual labor positions, in positions that require or involve childcare or elder care or in any kind of position that involves medical patient care or contact.
All parties involved in internship programs should recognize that interns are seeking entry-level training and experience.
For programs with durations of less than six months, an evaluation is required at the conclusion of the program.
Sign a completed Form DS-7002 - Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) to verify that all placements are appropriate and consistent with the objectives of the interns as outlined in their program applications and as set forth in their T/IPPs.

J-1 Visa Restrictions and Requirements

Travel: For travel outside the U. S. for up to 12 months, so long as they remain an enrolled student at their home institution for the entire duration of their internship. Extensions beyond 12 months total are not permitted for J-1 student interns. In addition, the student intern must remain enrolled at their home university for the entirety of the extension period.
Two-Year Home Residence Requirement: In some cases, the J-1 visa carries with it a two-year home residence requirement which obliges visa holders and their J-2 dependents to return to their home countries for two years before being eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or a non-immigrant H or L visa. Not all J-1 visa holders are subject to this requirement. J-1 visa holders should check both their Forms DS-2019 and J-1 visas to see if they are subject to the two year home residence requirement, 212(e).
Bars on Repeat Participation: Individuals who have been in the United States for more than six months in the previous year (12 months) in J visa status are not eligible to enter the United States as a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor for a 12-month period. Any individual who participates in an Exchange Visitor program in the Researcher Scholar or Professor category on or after 11/18/06 is subject to a 24-month bar on "repeat participation" in those categories.

Social Security Number (SSN)

If you are a J-1 student intern at Harvard you are eligible for an SSN to engage in employment at Harvard University or one of the affiliated hospitals. You will need to present a letter from the HIO as evidence of work authorization to an official at the SSA to apply for an SSN. At the Social Security Administration office, you must complete the SSN application form. The process usually takes four to eight weeks. You must have been in the United States for at least ten days and must have registered with the HIO.

Taxation

The following is general information regarding taxation of international student interns. sources. The available income after taxes may be less than anticipated as student interns may be subject to federal, state, and/or Social Security taxes which can range from 14-30% of one's total income. All international student interns and their dependents with U.S source income are required to report their annual income by completing tax forms between January 1 and April 15 of the following year.

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Finding the Right Internship

It can be difficult to know where to look for internships as an international student. Here are some strategies:

Internship Placement Providers: An internship placement provider will organize most of the internship logistics for you. They will help you prepare your internship application, find a placement, support your visa application, and provide in-country support. You’re typically required to pay for these internship placement programs. However, when considering the immense benefits such as guaranteed placement, visa support, accommodation (or assistance), in-country support, and more, this is a strong investment.
Independent Search: Otherwise, you may want to look for internships independently. You can search online forums, apply to companies directly, or even reach out to your university or advisor in order to see what links your university has with other institutions.
University Partnerships: Your current or former university may have partners in the US, and you may apply directly to existing internship programs.
Networking: Talk to professors and students: Relying on your network of professors and fellow students can help you find opportunities for internships. For instance, find out if your advisor has any suggestions or ask for recommendations in an online student forum.

CFR Internship Programs

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) offers several internship programs, including:

Blavatnik Internship Program: Blavatnik interns are recruited year-round on a semester basis for positions in CFR’s New York and Washington, DC, offices. An intern’s duties generally consist of research, editing and writing, event coordination, and/or departmental support. The Blavatnik Family Foundation supports this unique internship program. CFR generally considers undergraduate and graduate students with majors in international relations, political science, economics, or a related field.
Robina Franklin Williams Internship Program: Robina Franklin Williams interns are recruited year-round on a semester basis for positions in CFR’s New York and Washington, DC, offices. An intern’s duties generally consist of research, editing and writing, event coordination, and/or departmental support.

Preparing Your Application

Choose an Industry: First and foremost, you’ll need to choose an industry which will benefit your unique career goals. Consider your career interests and goals: Before you start searching, consider what your professional goals are and what kind of internship would help you achieve them. Look for an internship that relates to your major and will give you hands-on experience for your future career.
Choose a Location: The US is a big country and having endless options can make it harder to decide. Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco are major hubs for interns, but there are still plenty of other locations to consider!
Prepare Your Application: Start your application in advance to avoid any hiccups down the line.
Documents: Be sure to prepare documents such as your resume, cover letter, referrals, academic transcripts, and more in advance.
Resume: Build your resume: It’s important to have a well-formatted and concise resume once you start applying to internships. Your career services office can help you build your resume or offer feedback on your current version.
Cover Letter: Write a thoughtful cover letter: You may also need to send a cover letter when you apply for an internship. Your cover letter will explain who you are and why you’d be a good fit for the role.
Ace the Interview: Research the company ethos and take part in some mock interviews in order to ace your interview. Asking questions will not only help you understand the position, it’ll highlight your interest and proactive nature.
Apply for Your Visa: Congratulations, you’ve obtained your dream internship! At this point, you should consider applying for your F1 visa or J1 visa with plenty of time in advance, depending on your unique circumstance. Be sure to remain proactive and reach out for help throughout this stage.

Navigating American Work Culture

As someone looking for an internship abroad in the US, you’re likely to have questions about what it’s like to work in this unique country. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Work Culture: American culture can be individualistic, with workers expected to be independent and proactive. However, the work culture will differ between a tech startup in San Francisco and a financial firm in New York City, for example.
Dress Code: This will vary from one industry and company to another. A company may believe in the unity of uniform, whereas another couldn’t care less. Your best bet is to start out dressing smartly, loosening up as you get to know the workplace.
Punctuality: As an intern, you should be eager to demonstrate your value for the company.
Culture Shock: Culture shock can happen, especially if you’re not a native English speaker or if it’s your first time in the US. It can be difficult to balance work while adjusting to life in a new country. Be sure to contact friends and family to ease your transition, reach out to mentors, program alumni members, or co-workers for support, and remember - culture shock isn’t forever!

Benefits of Interning in the U.S.

Working as a college intern can be a springboard to your future career. You can gain real-world experience and hands-on training while building a network in your dream field. The US is a global leader in many industries: The US excels in many fields allowing you to find internships in a wide range of industries, from innovation and technology, aerospace, finance, healthcare, and even entertainment.

Skill Development: You’ll develop problem-solving and adaptability skills: Working in a different country will expose you to different ways of thinking.
Resume Enhancement: Not only will this experience elevate your resume, you’ll become more skilled, confident, and self-assured as a result of your time abroad in the US.

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