How to get an internship in the U.S.

Internships are practical experiences that bridge the gap between the school and the real world that allows students to understand what is really like to work in the field of their choice. International internships offer much more than usual internship you should play in your country. These types of internship will open your eyes to new ways and new personal and professional relationships, will provide you with the new settings and a new culture and expanding opportunities. Here is a brief summary of how to get internships in the United States.

Washington, DC: Central Internship

Washington, DC is probably the most important stage in this country. Hundreds of students from all over the world gather in this city during the summer months to pursue internships in almost every field. Of course, the field is the most popular political science, but tons of students also pursue internships in science, technology, economics, business, art, etc., in fact, Washington, DC is much more than politics. It 'a beautiful city surrounded by monuments and museums that are free to the public. The Smithsonian museums offer all types of internships and scholarships throughout the year in subjects such as art, public relations, science, public policy, and other fields. International students can apply for some internships provided by the Smithsonian free-of-charge. Other entities that attract tons of international students, international organizations are based in this city as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Interamerican Development Bank. The international and domestic students are encouraged to seek and apply with a lot of time before the deadline for one of these stages that usually involve a good monthly salary or wage. It 's important to understand that many internships are unpaid, but the professionalism and personal relations are learned more than compensate for the lack of payment. Some bags offer internships that usually cover the food and / or transport. Other internships provide nice monthly salaries that allow students to pay for accommodation, food, transportation and other personal expenses. There are also internship programs, such as the Washington Internship Program, the Washington Internship Institute, or the center of Washington that provides internships to international and domestic students. These programs usually charge which averaged $ 3500 for that placement internship, academic courses, employment and housing, group activities. For students already studying in U.S. colleges and universities, the university career center is a great source of internship opportunities. Finally, job advertisements in newspapers and on-line can also provide a good list of potential internships.

The work permit process for the F-1 Students

F-1 visa students (students currently enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities) are entitled to work as interns 9 months after being admitted to the country, such as F-1 students. The process varies from college to college, but we recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to your international student advisor to see if you qualify for curricular practical training (CPT). Curricular practical training (CPT) is an option available to F-1 student employment where it is believed the use of practical training to be an integral part of academic curriculum or program and which are awarded college credit.

2. Talk with your college adviser, director of internships and career consultant to see if you qualify for internships at this point in your college life.

3. Look for internships everywhere: newspapers, banks, shopping online job internships, companies, organizations, etc. Send your resume to the director of internships and university professor in charge of co-op programs and internships.

4. Once you have been hired as an intern, go to the office of international students and complete the form CPT. Once this is approved, the I-20 will specify permission to engage in CPT. The employer and the dates will be recorded on your I-20.

The Visa process for students

Students or recent graduates from other countries who wish to pursue an internship in the United States usually need to be sponsored for a J-1 visa. J-1 visas are exchange students and trainees. Your internship program usually sponsors for this type of visa. It 's important to understand that students who arrive with a J-1 visa will be required to leave the country within 30 days after the internship ends. In addition, J-1 visa holders will not be able to return to the U.S. for 2 years following their internship experience. The reasoning is that students must take and apply in their countries of origin have the skills and experience acquired while working in the United States. For more information on J-1 visa, please visit this site: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html # 6

Students who wish to work as temporary workers - usually in the hotel business as agents reception, waiters, housekeepers, instructors, and more are eligible for H-2 visas. The H-2 visa is a visa for unskilled workers and is seen more often used for workers in the hospitality and entertainment during the summer months. Working abroad programs usually are sponsored for this visa. For a list of agencies working abroad click here. Note that international organizations like the World Bank, IMF and IDB can sponsor their trainees for a G-4 visa instead of other types of visas. USCIS.gov The site contains complete information on H-2 and G-4 visas.

The following steps are recommended:

1. Find an internship program or work abroad that meets your. Make sure the organization is a reliable and certified.

2. Apply for the internship program or work abroad.

3. Once you have been admitted, request a detailed explanation of the steps and documents needed for visa.

4. Gather all the documents required for your visa interview and visit the consulate or embassy of the United States in your area.

The final words

Although this article has focused on internship opportunities available in the area of ​​Washington DC, internships are available in all cities of the United States. It 's important to select internships that provide valuable expertise and unique experiences. Avoid at all costs internships where making copies and serve the coffee will be your major responsibilities. Also, if you decide to enroll in an internship program, make sure it is a reliable and certified organization can sponsor foreign students. An internship in the U.S. and in other parts of the world is a beautiful experience that combines new experiences, new cultures, new perspectives and your personal and professional growth....