International Student Corner - Exploring Internship Opportunities with CPT for International Students

From the Desk of Agnes Simon, Global Fairfield International Student and Visa Manager

Exploring Internship Opportunities with CPT for International Students

We’re excited to share that international students have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through internships during their studies. This is facilitated through Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

What is CPT?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a work authorization that allows international students to engage in internships that are directly related to their field of study. Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligibility: Students are eligible for CPT after completing two full-time semesters at Fairfield.
• Types of CPT: Internships can be undertaken either full-time or part-time, depending on the student’s academic schedule and the internship requirements.
• Approval Process: To participate in CPT, students must contact our office to sign up, as there are visa implications and documentation that need to be processed.

How to Get Started

1. Find an Internship and Receive an Offer Letter: Students must first secure an internship and obtain a formal offer letter from the employer.
2. Contact Our Office: GlobalFairfield@fairfield.edu After receiving the offer letter, students should contact our office to obtain the proper documentation required for CPT. This includes forms that need to be completed by both the student and their academic advisor.
3. Complete the Documentation: Students will need to complete the required forms with their academic advisor and submit them to our office for processing.

All internships must be directly related to a student’s major or course of study. Our office is here to assist with the application process and ensure all visa regulations are met.

We encourage students to explore these opportunities to gain practical experience and enhance their academic journey. To help students better understand on-campus work opportunities and F-1 visa requirements, we will be hosting our first on-campus info session on September 18th at 3 p.m., with more sessions to follow throughout the fall.

Global Fairfield is located in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library room 107. Students can schedule an appointment with one of our International Advisors by emailing globalfairfield@fairfield.edu.