Internship Resources

International Students
As an international student, you may have many questions about the internship process. Be sure to check out the CDC’s International Student Web site, to help you get started. You can also schedule an appointment with the International Career Counselor.

Below are some questions frequently asked by International Students:

What are my chances of getting an internship as an I-student? What are my best internship options as an I-student? What employers are most interested in hiring I-students?
Employers base their hiring on the skills students can contribute to their organization and their interest and passion for the career field and organization. Therefore, an international student’s chances and best options are for internships in which they are most interested and skilled. Occasionally employers who want to hire their interns for full-time positions will not hire international students for internships because they don't/can't sponsor full-time work permits, but this should not stop you from taking advantage of the many other opportunities that exist. For international companies, your fluency in a language other than English will be of high interest to them, as well as your global perspective.

How do work permits, CPT, and OPT work?
The CDC does NOT provide information regarding work permits. The Bechtel International Center offers a full range of services for international students and their spouses, including immigration and work permit information for F-1 and J-1 students. Excellent information on immigration issues is available through their Web site, icenter.stanford.edu. Look over their immigration section, attend a practical training workshop, or meet with an International Student Advisor, (650) 723-1831.