Employment

Important

All off-campus employment whether paid or unpaid, practicum or internship requires authorization from International Student Services in Global Ed. Failure to do so could result in the termination of the immigration status. 

On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment is allowed for F-1 and J-1 visa holders with permission through the Center for Global Education and does not require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approval. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week during the academic session and 40 hours per week during the vacation periods.

Learn more about on-campus employment

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives F-1 students an opportunity for work experience in the U.S. before and/or after completion of their degree. It is limited to a total of 12 months in a field directly related to their course of study. Students apply for OPT 90 days prior to end of their academic program. The Center for Global Education organizes an OPT information session that all students interested in applying for OPT must attend in order to apply for OPT.

Learn more about Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is an opportunity for students to gain experience via temporary employment or internship off campus while enrolled in a college-level degree program. For an international student to be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), the work in which the student will engage must be an integral part of the degree program, meaning that is must be required for graduation or the student must receive academic credit for the work experience.

Learn more about Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Academic Training

International students on J-1 visa status have the opportunity to engage in paid or unpaid employment directly related to their major field of study during or after completion of their studies and provided certain requirements are met. Such employment is termed Academic Training and is authorized in writing by Wheaton College.

To discuss this opportunity further, please email [email protected] to set up an appointment.