The United States of America is often viewed globally as the land of freedom and opportunity. And as much as this can be true, the USA is a land of both/ands with a history of colonization and imperialism, as well as a lively and active community of organizers, activists, and social entrepreneurs.
As an aspiring democracy, the USA faces many challenges within social, racial, and climate justice, and while there are reasons to critique the US government, there are so many lessons to be learned and ways to get involved in something meaningful.
You could very well have a career-defining moment in the United States!
Whether you are an international student already studying in the USA, or hoping to come to the USA to complete an internship, there is an abundance of opportunity from coast to coast. Internships for international students in the USA can offer the opportunity to develop critical skills, cultivate a network, and determine your path forward. Let’s dive into how to get an internship in the US.
Can international students do internships in the USA?
If you find yourself asking if there are internships for international students in the USA, the quick and easy answer is, YES! International students are able to complete internships in the US—everything from working with big companies to start-ups, and across a wide variety of industries.
It is important to set your expectations for internships for international students in the US; internships can help you develop your network and relevant skills, but some internships may be less involved based on your current experience and the organization’s needs.
When you’re thinking about how to get an internship in the USA, it is also important to keep in mind that the work culture in the USA may differ from what you are used to. US American work culture can be fairly individualistic and highly competitive (both results of capitalism), so make sure you create a plan to take care of yourself in and outside of the workplace.
Developing relationships with your colleagues can help you have a sounding board for obstacles and challenges that may arise.
Are there paid internships in the USA for international students?
You shouldn’t feel obligated to accept an unpaid internship. However, don’t forget how invaluable experience can be.
While you are dreaming about landing your ideal internship in the USA, you may also be wondering if you can gain new skills and get paid for your time and effort. Paid internships in the USA for international students may be hard to come by, but they are by no means impossible to find.
It is important to note that compensation for your internship will vary depending on the organization you are working for, so if this is a big consideration for you make sure to keep that in mind when completing the steps for how to find an internship in the USA.
Some paid internships in the USA for international students might include working during Fashion Week in New York or Los Angeles, supporting marketing and communication efforts, refining your sales skills, or researching and working within the sciences.
To optimize your chances of landing a paid role, make sure you brush up on your English skills and focus particular attention on vocabulary that will be relevant to the field you will be working in. There may be some work culture differences across industries that should be considered as well.
Read: Are Unpaid Internships Abroad Worth It?
How to find an internship in the USA for international students
1. Clarify your intentions and decide on a focus
Sometimes, internships are great for exploring a city where you hope to one day be based.
Your first step in how to get an internship in the US is to turn inwards and clarify your why. What do you hope to gain from your internship experience? Are there particular skills you want to hone? Is there a specific industry you want to gain experience in? Do you want/need to be paid for your time and contributions?
While answering these questions, you can also note what your top priorities are in completing an internship in the US. These answers and priorities will help you determine which internships align with your goals and intentions, which is a great indicator for which internships you should submit an application for.
2. Consider location and cost of living
Location, location, location!
The US is a big country with a multitude of places to live and intern. When thinking about which internships you will want to apply to, you should think about where you may be interested in living, what you can afford, and what amenities you will need; major cities often have very high costs of living but have more resources, while smaller cities may have a lower cost of living but may not have viable public transportation systems, for example.
This consideration may not apply to you if you are already a student in the US, but if you are still in your home country, it is good to consider where you can find opportunities and if they are feasible based on internship pay (some are unpaid) and the cost of living.
Read: How to Get an Internship in New York City
3. Secure your visa & consider your options
Securing a visa is potentially the most stressful part of the process—begin preparing ASAP!
As an international student and intern, you will need to secure a visa for your time in the US. If you are currently an international student in the US, you are likely studying with an F-1 or J-1 visa. Utilizing the international student support office on your campus, as well as the career center, can help you determine what options you have for F-1 and J-1 visas.
With an F-1 visa, you can intern off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT must be relevant to your degree of study, while OPT doesn’t have to fit within your studies.
J-1 visas allow for up to 18 months of Academic Training, similar to the OPT option with the F-1 visa. If you plan to only come to the US for an internship, you should consider the J-1 Intern visa or the J-1 Trainee visa.
4. Search for Internships
The next step in how to get an internship in the USA includes taking all of the information and reflection you’ve completed, and using that to guide your search for internships in the US. You can utilize GoAbroad’s website to search for internships in the US as well as to find more resources to support this process.
Indeed, USA Internships, and LinkedIn are also great resources for searching for internships, as well as networking with and researching organizations you may want to work with. You can utilize LinkedIn to establish your professional online presence which may lead to opportunities and serve as an online portfolio.
Sign up for a free MyGoAbroad account to find and compare internships in the US
5. Cultivate your resume and cover letter
Once you have found some internships you are interested in applying to, you will want to customize your application materials based on the specific organization and position. Most internship applications will look for a resume rather than a CV, so be sure to develop a one-page resume that highlights your relevant experience.
In writing your resume and cover letter, you will want to include keywords used in the job posting (for example: acute attention to detail, or balances competing priorities and deadlines), as well as show off your personality and what you uniquely bring to the table.
We encourage you to utilize your career center on your home campus to help with the process. These offices sometimes offer mock interviews and resume reviews, which can help you feel confident in hitting submit on your application!
6. Apply for Internships
Be sure to make a shortlist of the programs and internships you want to apply to!
So, now that you have—
- Set your goals and intentions
- Considered internship logistics
- Worked with your career center and international student services office
- Confirmed the process of obtaining your visa
- Set out a search for internships
- Developed your network
- Cultivated your application materials based on the specific internship listings
—You are ready to apply. Phew!
Some internships, especially if they are through internship providers (organizations that help place you in relevant internships), may have application fees involved, so make sure to keep this in mind.
You should take some time to celebrate all of your effort so far. You are on your way to landing your dream internship in the US!
Read: 9 Hot Internships in the USA for International Students
7. Prepare for your internship
Once you land your dream internship in the US, it is important to open lines of communication with the people you will be working with. This will help you advocate for yourself and give you the opportunity to share your goals for the internship with your supervisor. When everyone is on the same page, internships run much more smoothly.
Each workplace will be different, so there may be an adjustment period and learning curve. Give yourself grace, seek a mentor who can support you, and lean into developing the skills you are most excited to learn. Internships aren’t always easy or fun, but they offer a lot of learning opportunities that can help you make future decisions about your work.
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Your internship in the US will be a transformative experience!
Your career only stands to benefit from your internship and new network.
There is no doubt that your internship will expand your horizons personally and professionally. Internships serve as an opportunity to better determine what you enjoy and want to continue to pursue, and sometimes what directions you *don’t* want to pursue.
Each lesson is equally as important as you continue your professional journey after your internship. The lessons you learn, relationships you develop, and skills you hone will all elevate your capacity and contributions in your future endeavors. Good luck landing your dream internship in the US!
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