Hiring International Students

We host students from more than a dozen countries. Below is a short overview of the employment options available to international students. 

Practical Training Options

Practical training means students on F-1 visas can obtain employment in areas related to their academic field of study. Students must have completed one academic year of research and maintain their F-1 status to be eligible for this option. Practical training can be obtained through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).


International students on F-1 visas are eligible for CPT while completing their studies and 12 months of OPT under certain conditions.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is a 12-month temporary employment authorization that allows students with F-1 visas to apply the knowledge acquired from their academic programs to a work experience in their major field of study. It is a benefit of maintaining status that is available during an F-1 student's course of study (pre-degree completion) after each degree level is completed (post-degree completion) or may be used as a combination of both pre-and post-degree completion as long as a student does not exceed the equivalent of 12 months of OPT authorization.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is designed to provide work experience directly related and integral to a student's degree of study. It is not intended for general, ongoing work authorization. Co-op positions and Internships, even if unpaid, require CPT authorization.

H1-B Visa

The H1-B visa is a temporary employment status that allows an employer to hire an international citizen in the United States. It is the employer's responsibility to file the H1-B petition on behalf of the employee. There are a limited number of H1-B visas available each year. Applications become available on April 1 of each year. H1-B status becomes effective on Oct. 1 of the same year if awarded.


Our international students are an impressive group of individuals who have achieved excellence and created value in their academic careers. These students add such merit to the Whitman School that they have become an integral part of its cultural diversity. Please have a look at the Slutzker Center for International Services for more information about these programs.