| Internship Programs |
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The VIU Internship Process An internship is a part-time job during the academic year or the summer in which a student receives supervised practical training in his or her field. The internship is often related to the student’s academic and career goals, and it may serve as a gateway to professional employment. Some internships are paid; others are not. The VIU Office of Career Services (OCS) works with students to help them develop the job search skills necessary to find internships. When possible, OCS matches qualified students with potential employers. Ultimately, however, it is the student’s responsibility to secure an internship. When internship responsibilities closely relate to academic studies, students may be eligible for VIU academic credit upon completion of the internship. Students interested in receiving academic credit for internships should consult with their VIU faculty advisors. International Students OCS is committed to helping all students reach their career goals. However, there are certain legal requirements to which we must adhere when addressing international students working in the United States. I-20 students are not eligible for paid employment during their first year of studies in the United States. After one academic year, I-20 students become eligible to work in paid internships under the Curricular Practical Training Program (CPT). Click here for more information about the CPT program. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the CPT program. For more information about the legal requirements for working in the United States, please talk to the VIU International Student Advisor. Finding an Internship Because of VIU’s growing reputation for excellence, employers frequently contact OCS with internship opportunites. Whenever possible, OCS will help place students in appropriate internships. However, we encourage students to initiate their own internship searches using websites such as www.internshipprograms.com or www.monster.com (key word: internships). Yukari Kunisue |
