Practical Training Seminars

The Center for International Education conducts bi-weekly Practical Training Seminars at the International House. We also offer an evening session once a month on Optional Practical Training. The seminars are divided into two categories:

1. Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training is the 12-month period that USCIS has made available to legal F-1 students to gain work experience in their field of studies.

2. Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training is commonly known as a co-op or internship. The work must be an integral part of a student's degree program.

If you are completing your studies and graduating and you are planning to apply for Optional Practical Training, you must attend a session on Optional Practical Training in order to get the application packet. You must apply before graduation.

Students interested in doing a CO-OP or internship must attend a session on Curricular Practical Training in order to receive the application packet.

Timing is essential if you want to receive the approval for Practical Training in time to start your job. Remember that you must have approval either from CIE or USCIS before you can begin work.