For many international students, working in the United States as an intern is an opportunity to experience life in the country like never before. Interning at a US company can provide invaluable insight into the corporate culture, business systems and etiquette, while establishing strong relationships with other professionals. But what is it like to be an international student interning at a US company? In this article, we will explore the insights from international students who have experienced working in the US.
International students are highly sought after in the US job market, as they offer unique skillsets that often differ from those of domestic employees. They can bring fresh perspectives to problem solving and bring a new cultural diversity to the workplace. However, it is important to understand the unique challenges that come with being an international intern and the rights and regulations that these students must follow.
Determining Eligibility for Internships in the US
For international students, securing an internship in the US can be a daunting task. As the US has complex immigration law, it is important to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before you apply for an internship. This article provides insight for international students studying in the US into how they can determine their eligibility for internships in the US.
Eligibility Requirements
Whether you are eligible to secure and complete an internship in the US will depend on your visa status. All international students must hold an appropriate visa in order to complete an internship in the US. The most commonly used visas for completing internships in the US are the F1, OPT, and J1 visas.
- F1 Visa: The F1 student visa is the most common visa used by international students in the US. This visa allows international students to pursue an academic degree as well as engage in an internship or employment for a limited period of time. This visa is generally available to international students for up to 12 months.
- OPT Visa: The OPT (Optional Practical Training) visa is designed for specific job types. If you are an international student with an F1 visa, you may be eligible to apply for an OPT visa in order to pursue an internship or employment in the US. This visa is valid for up to 12 months.
- J1 visa: The J1 student visa allows a student to work in the US as a research scholar, intern, or otherwise engage in a paid internship program. In order to be eligible for a J1 visa, you must meet certain residence, age, and academic qualifications.
Further Consideration
When considering an internship in the US as an international student, it is important to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements of the specific internship program. Each internship program may have different requirements and restrictions, so be sure to read the details of the specific internship carefully before applying. Additionally, as internships in the US typically require working a minimum of 20 hours per week, you may need to consider the time commitment involved in order to determine if an internship program is viable for you.
International students considering internships in the US should thoroughly research the eligibility and restrictions of the program before applying. Understanding visa restrictions and eligibility requirements are essential for making sure that you are eligible to secure and complete an internship in the US.
Common Benefits of Internship Programs
An internship program provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and to apply their knowledge in the workplace. Internship programs can also benefit the employer by providing a fresh perspective and additional resources in the workplace.
International students participated in internship programs in various industries. Here are the common benefits internships offer to both employers and students:
- A Better Understanding of the Workplace – Interning allows students to gain a realistic perspective of the industry. It provides them with the opportunity to develop important skills and on-the-job insights that agencies taught at college can’t offer.
- Opportunity to Network and Gain Exposure – Internships provide the opportunity to get in touch with professionals active in the industry. Through networking, students gain exposure to industry trends and career options.
- Valuable Experience – Internships provide students with the perfect opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom. They gain professional experience which will be valuable for their future career prospects.
- Develop Resume – An internship is an effective way for students to build their resume skills and experiences. This will help students in their job searches and better prepare them for the job market.
Overall, internships can be a great way for international students to gain valuable professional experience and expertise in the U.S. job market. While every intern experiences their own unique benefits from their internship programs, these are the common benefits that are shared by many of them.
Common Challenges for International Students
International students usually face a unique set of challenges not faced by their domestic counterparts. From being far away from support systems that could offer assistance, to dealing with cultural and language barriers, they often face several daunting challenges. Some common difficulties faced by international students include loneliness, homesickness, culture shock, language barriers, and adjustment problems.
Unfamiliarity with the different cultural values can make international students processing complex social situations difficult. As they can often lead to feelings of alienation, apprehension, and confusion, experience in navigating and understanding multiple cultural values is an invaluable skill.
In addition to cultural challenges, language barriers can be one of the most intimidating problems for international students. Language barriers can make it difficult to integrate with other students, understand new concepts, obtain housing, and complete assignments, exams, and research.
While the adjustment process can be overwhelming, there are plenty of resources available to support international students. To ease the adjustment period, it is important to be mindful of one’s needs and to establish connections with both domestic and international peers. Additionally, joining student organizations and attending events can help make new friends and broaden perspectives.
Conclusion
Overall, interning at US companies offer many valuable experiences and insights for international students. Not only can they increase their network and skill-sets, but they can also gain knowledge and understandings of the US culture. By interning abroad, international students can develop connections and obtain knowledge that can help them to gain a competitive advantage when entering the global job marketplace.
Regardless of their choice to intern abroad, international students should make sure to prepare thoroughly before the internship begins. From getting familiar with the visa and immigration procedures to connecting with peers, international students can maximize the benefits of interning at US companies.
