Learning Beyond the Classroom: CPT, OPT, and On-Campus Work in the United States

February 24, 2022

Employers in every field are looking for ambitious, self-starting graduates with work experience. Adding industry work experience to your resume can help you stand out in large applicant pools. Academic institutions in the United States offer eligible international students three types of work experience: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and on-campus work opportunities. While there are some similarities between these three opportunities, they do have their differences. Today, we’ll take a look at each of these programs to help you determine which might be right for you.

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Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities in the United States

International students in the United States may gain work experience while studying abroad through on-campus work opportunities, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT and OPT students must complete their first year of studies before they鈥檙e eligible for one of these programs, whereas on-campus work is available to students right away.

While students are studying abroad, they can take advantage of multiple modes of work-integrated learning opportunities. Students can work up to 20 hours per week either on CPT (internships and practicums, either on- or off-campus, require approval), pre-completion OPT (although most students complete OPT after studies), and on-campus (with no special authorization required). It just can鈥檛 add up to more than 20 hours per week while school is in session.聽

For example, a student might choose to work in the library on-campus for 10 hours per week, and have an internship off-campus for 10 hours per week. The same rules apply for summer break for up to 40 hours per week in total.

Now that you know how you can combine various modes of work experience, let鈥檚 explore each of these opportunities in more detail!

The University of North Alabama not only offers a vibrant campus life but lots of opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their field of interest.

On-Campus Work

On-campus work experience can contribute to a student鈥檚 ability to learn beyond the classroom. International students can work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks like summer holidays. Many on-campus jobs offer valuable work experience, such as tutoring other students, working in a science lab, or administrative support in various campus offices. Many academic institutions reserve a number of jobs exclusively for current students.

At the University of Central Arkansas, students can choose from many programs that offer real-world work experience that will help them thrive in their careers.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) gives students the opportunity to participate in off-campus training, work experience, or an internship, as outlined in their degree program. For some degree programs, a CPT internship is a program requirement that students will need to complete before graduating. Whether CPT is a mandatory or optional part of the program, it鈥檚 an excellent chance for students to gain work experience in their field of study, helping them build invaluable skills and take advantage of networking opportunities.

Southwest Minnesota State University employs career service experts to help students find work-integrated learning opportunities during their studies.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students to find off-campus employment or an internship within their field of study. Students enrolled in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) program can also take advantage of an OPT extension. International students interested in participating in OPT will need to apply for work authorization with the assistance of their school’s international student advisor.

Two types of OPT are available to students:

Pre-Completion OPT allows students to gain experience in their field of study before graduating and entering the workforce. Students can work up to 20 hours per week while studying, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session, such as during summer vacation. While it鈥檚 possible to participate in OPT prior to earning a degree, it鈥檚 more common for students to save their OPT authorization for post-study work.
Post-Completion OPT allows students to work at a job within their field of study for up to 12 months after graduating. Students who earn an approved STEM designated degree may be eligible for the OPT STEM Extension, which adds an additional 24 months of work permission to their OPT.

Troy University in Alabama offers its students many opportunities to build up their resumes with hands-on experience while studying abroad.

Selecting a study abroad program that offers a work-integrated learning opportunity will not only help you build your resume, but also make you more competitive in today鈥檚 job market.