Internships & CPT

I want to do an internship while I am studying at LMU…What should I know about interning in the U.S. and abroad?

International students are encouraged to consider whether they would like to do an internship in the U.S., their home country, or another international location. The connections and experience obtained during an internship can be highly valuable in finding long-term employment following graduation. It may therefore be beneficial to consider an internship in the country you will most likely live following graduation.

Opportunities within the US (Curricular Practical Training - CPT)

International students are strongly encouraged to find internship experiences while enrolled at LMU. These experiences are extremely valuable to the enhancement of a students’ career and professional development, whether internationally or domestically as they expose students to the real world environment of the career paths they pursue academically. To be eligible:

  • Students must be in full-time status for nine months to be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) (first-year international students and exchange students are not eligible for internships)
  • The internship must be an "integral" part of the curriculum for one's major course of study
  • The internship must have been offered prior to CPT being authorized
  • Students may only apply for CPT before completion of their study

It is required that students consult with OISS when applying for internships authorization. OISS provides excellent information on both CPT eligibility and the application process. For information regarding eligibility and authorization, contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at 310.338.2937 or oiss@lmu.edu. OISS is located in Malone Student Center, Suite 201. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, and until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

OISS will require the following prior to authorizing Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

  1. Proof of enrollment in an internship course
  2. Letter from the employer on letterhead with a site supervisor signature, which addresses:
    • student’s name
    • start and end dates of internship
    • full-time or part-time
    • how work is directly related to student's major course of study
    • employer name and address

OISS requires all of the information listed in order to authorize the CPT through SEVIS. CPT must be done on a term by term basis. The dates of employment must coincide with the semester registered for the internship credit. The work authorized under CPT must directly relate to the student’s field of study. Students can only work a total of up to 20 hours/week for all work (on and off campus) during the academic year (when classes are in session).  This means if they are working an on-campus job at 12 hours/week and an internship job at 8 hours/week, they are fine.  But if the total number of hours worked goes over 20 hours/week, they are ineligible and would be considered illegal.

International students are encouraged to consider whether they would like to do an internship in the U.S., their home country, or another international location. The connections and experience obtained during an internship can be highly valuable in finding long-term employment following graduation. It may therefore be beneficial to consider an internship in the country you will most likely live following graduation.

Visit our Internship Tips page for additional assistance

Opportunities outside the US

International students who find internship opportunities outside of the United States (interim or summer) would not need to follow CPT requirements (i.e. would not need to register for academic internship credit). Keep in mind you may need work authorization in the country in which you would be working. Internships during the interim and academic terms are eligible for academic internship credit without incurring additional tuition fees, all the while gaining valuable work experience.

Questions?

To explore your options or discuss CPT prospects, drop-in with one of our international peer advisors during office hours or schedule a coaching appointment with international students career coach Thuy Le via Handshake.

For information regarding CPT , contact the at 310.338.2937 or oiss@lmu.edu. OISS is located in Malone Student Center, Suite 201. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, and until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.