According to NACE, more than 65% of interns eventually get a full-time job with the company they interned for [1]. This goes to show — internships provide invaluable experience and opportunities. But as an international student, you may face extra challenges securing one. Fortunately, with strategic planning and preparation, scoring an internship abroad is achievable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get an internship as an international student.
Do Internships Exist for International Students?
Absolutely! Many companies recognize the value of hiring international interns and are willing to sponsor visas. Internships provide companies access to a global talent pool while allowing international students to gain experience in their field.
Paid vs. Unpaid Internships
Both paid and unpaid internships exist for international students. While paid is preferable, unpaid can also be beneficial for the experience you'll gain. The hiring process is generally the same for domestic and international students. You just need to meet the eligibility criteria for work authorization — more on that shortly.
RELATED >> Tips for Getting a Paid Internship as a College Student
Where to Find Open Internship Opportunities
Cast a wide net in your internship search:
Your University's Career Center
Visit your university's career center and register with them. Many companies specifically recruit international students through university career fairs and job boards. Career counselors can also point you to openings suited for international students.
Online Job Boards
Sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed advertise plenty of internship postings. Search for openings using keywords related to your major and ideal internship role. For example, if you're studying Communications, a marketing-related internship may interest you.
Company Websites
Look on company sites for open internship positions. Large multinational companies are more likely to hire and sponsor international interns. Start your search there.
Note: Each company has its unique application process. The best way to get your application seen is to follow the instructions on their website job board.
Campus Career Fairs
Your university will host career fairs regularly. Find out when those take place and make an effort to attend them. Come prepared with polished resumes to hand out and a quick elevator pitch that highlights your abilities. Follow up with recruiters to get on their radar.
Pro tip: An elevator pitch is a 30- to 60-second speech that summarizes who you are, what you're looking for, and why you're a great candidate. Prepare one ahead of career fairs highlighting your:
- Major
- Relevant experience
- Career goals
Here's a simple formula to inspire you:
"Hi, my name is [name] and I'm studying [major] at [school name]. I'm passionate about [field] because [reason]. I'm looking for [internship role] opportunities where I can contribute to the company's growth with my [relevant skills/experience] and gain experience in [industry]."
Filling in the brackets is a great start, but don't be afraid to switch it up to make it your own.
Within Your Network
Talk to professors, alumni, and professional associations about leads. Sometimes the best opportunities never make it onto job boards. Leveraging your network is key to uncovering these.
RELATED >> Top Advice for Your First Internship in College
6 Steps to Land an Internship
Now that you know where to find internships, let's explore the six steps to go from applicant to intern:
Step #1: Confirm You Meet Eligibility Requirements
Securing a visa is often the biggest hurdle for international students seeking internships abroad. Confirm the company can and will sponsor an internship visa for you. Requirements vary by country. Common criteria include:
- Valid F-1 or J-1 student immigration status
- University approval for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Job offer directly related to your major area of study
If the internship is unpaid, take extra care to ensure it'll satisfy visa regulations for practical training requirements.
Step #2: Tailor Your Application Materials
You need a stellar resume and cover letter to stand out. In both, highlight the following:
- Relevant coursework
- Technical skills
- Soft skills
- Language skills
- International experience
- On-campus leadership
- Past work/volunteer experience relevant to the role you're applying for
Show companies that your career focus aligns with the internship role through targeted resume content and cover letter messaging. Beyond the application, building your credit score early can also demonstrate financial responsibility to potential employers.
Pro tip: Distinguish yourself from domestic students. Tailor your resume, highlighting the unique cultural perspectives and skill sets you offer as an international candidate.
Sort Out Your Tax ID Before You Start Paid Work
Many paid CPT and OPT placements ask for a U.S. tax identification number, and not every international student has a Social Security number yet. If that is your situation, TheITIN.com helps you apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number without an SSN. Having an ITIN through TheITIN.com lets you get paid correctly, file taxes on internship income, and start building a U.S. financial footprint while you are still a student.
TheITIN.com
TheITIN.com
No SSN? No problem. TheITIN.com makes getting your U.S. tax ID (ITIN) fast and painless — 100% online. Perfect for people who need to start building credit, file taxes, or open bank accounts in America.
Standout feature
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Fees
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Cons
Processing time depends on IRS (can take up to 14 weeks).
Step #3: Apply for Available Internships
Once you have the above documents in order, it's time to start applying for internships. Refer to the openings you identified earlier and submit application materials to those that meet your goals and eligibility criteria.
Remember: Don't submit the same resume and cover letter to every company. Standout candidates put in the time to personalize each according to the position. The goal is to show the hiring manager why you're an excellent match for that specific company and role.
Step #4: Interview
Selected for an interview? Congratulations! Now… the fun begins. First, thoroughly research the company so you can discuss your fit. Then, prepare answers to common questions about your past work experience, skills and abilities, and more:
- Why are you interested in this internship?
- What are your career goals?
- How will you add diversity to our team?
- How will you adapt to our work culture?
- What languages do you speak fluently?
- Do you have relevant work or volunteer experience relevant to this role?
- What unique perspectives or experiences do you offer as an international candidate?
- Do you require visa sponsorship?
- What's the process and timeline for obtaining work authorization?
This is your chance to showcase the unique value you bring as an international student!
Pro tip: First time interviewing? Ask a family member or trusted friend to do a "mock interview" with you. This will help you get more comfortable answering possible questions like the ones above. Do a few rounds, get feedback, and improve accordingly before showing up to the real deal.
Step #5: Follow-up
After the interview, it's wise to follow up with the ones you see potential in. Reference this follow-up email template and make it your own:
Dear [Hiring manager's name],
Thanks for taking the time to speak with me about the [industry] internship role at [company name]. It was a pleasure learning more about the position and the innovative [industry] initiatives underway at [company.] This internship aligns with my interests in [industry] and passion for [your passion related to the role]. My international background in [country] and fluency in [foreign language] will enable me to help expand your company to new markets.
Please get in touch if you need more information as you make your decision.
Thanks, [Your name]
Note: The best follow-ups are tailored to the actual conversations you have with interviewers. For example, if there was no mention of speaking a foreign language being important, then it wouldn't make sense to include it in your follow-up email. Listen to the pain points the hiring manager shares with you. Find out exactly why they're hiring an intern. Then, tailor a follow-up that speaks to them.
Step #6: Make a Decision
In the best-case scenario, you'll have multiple offers to choose from. To determine the best opportunity for you, compare:
- Compensation
- Responsibilities
- Learning opportunities
- Company culture fit
- Visa sponsorship strength
- Other factors important to you like flexibility
Once you've made your decision, get in touch with the company and accept the offer. Send a brief email like this:
Subject: [Your Name] - Acceptance of [Industry] Internship Offer
Dear [Hiring manager's name],
I'm thrilled to accept the [industry] internship position at [company name]. This is an exciting opportunity that aligns with my career interests and goals. I look forward to receiving the next steps regarding work authorization, onboarding, and any other preparations needed to start in [month/desired timeline]. Please let me know what I can do on my end to move the process forward smoothly.
Thanks again for the opportunity. I can't wait to intern with [company name] and contribute to the [industry] team this [season]!
Best, [Your name]
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Internship Experience Sets You Up for Career Success
Completing a college internship is challenging yet rewarding. The work experience, industry connections, and resume boost will give you a huge leg up in launching your career after graduation — even if you decide to move elsewhere. Beyond internship experience, making friends while studying abroad and getting your first credit card are also important milestones during your international student journey.
Start Building U.S. Credit While You Intern
A paid internship is a great moment to start a U.S. credit history, since many international students arrive with no Social Security number and no credit file. The Current Build Card is built for exactly that gap, letting you spend from your own balance while the Current Build Card reports the activity toward your credit, with no hard credit check to get started. That makes it a low-risk way to begin a credit footprint alongside your internship income.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on eligible categories. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on eligible categories (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum
Add a Builder Card That Reports to All Three Bureaus
Once you have steady internship income, a secured builder card can deepen your credit history faster. The Self Visa is a straightforward way to establish on-time payment history, since the Self Visa reports to all three major credit bureaus every month. For an international student planning to stay and work in the U.S. after graduation, a few months of Self Visa payments build the track record lenders and landlords look for.
With eligibility confirmation, resume preparation, and sharp interview skills, you can get one in your field of study. Dream big and make it happen!
Source:
- 2022 Internship & Co-op Survey Report, National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
