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Internships & OPT FAQ

Unpaid Internship Eligibility & Requirements

Find and do an internship while you study in our International Program.

Why do an internship?

  • Gain experience at a real company in Silicon Valley. Also, the internship is worth 3 units per quarter and counts towards the minimum 12-unit requirement.

What is the cost of doing an internship?

  • $200.

How do I find an internship?

I have secured an internship offer, now what?

  • Receive an offer letter or use our confirmation form describing:
  • Role and responsibilities and how it relates to your certificate.
  • Number of hours per quarter you will be interning.
  • Supervisor’s title and contact information and company URL.
  • Once confirmed, we will enroll you in the course called “Business Practices for International Students.”

How many hours per week should my internship be?

  • A maximum of 20 hours per week, but no more than 200 per quarter. The minimum is 90 hours.

Can I be paid for my internship?

  • No.

Does my internship need to be related to my studies?

  • Yes, and you must use the skills you are currently studying.

How am I evaluated for my work during the internship?

  • At the end of each quarter, your supervisor must submit a short evaluation of your work.
  • You must also evaluate your company.
 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) for International Students

Finish your studies and get work experience in the U.S.

How do I qualify for OPT?

  • Studied for at least nine months.
  • Completed a professional certificate program.
  • F-1 status at the time of application.

When should I apply for OPT?

  • 90 days before you complete your certificate.

How long is OPT and where can I work?

  • Up to one year. You can work anywhere in the U.S. as long as the job is related to your studies.

Can my OPT job be paid?

  • It can be paid or unpaid.
  • Does OPT cost anything?
  • $100 application fee will apply.
  • $410 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Am I guaranteed employment by completing one of your certificate programs?

  • No, you must interview and receive an offer from a company willing to sponsor your practical training. Many of our students have successfully secured positions.

I've already completed OPT during my last degree studies. Can I do OPT again?

  • If you already had OPT at a Bachelor's degree or higher, you are not eligible for an OPT with a certificate.
 

Questions?


International Inquiry Form

Contact Us
Speak to an international programs representative.

Call +1 (408) 450-4945

Envelope extensioninternational@ucsc.edu

To schedule an online meeting with an international advisor, please click here.

Recent International Stories

What Students Are Saying

"I received a clear view of the industry and what are the needs faced by enterprises today."
— Anonymous Student     International Student

"I made a lot of good connections while I was here."
— Aakash Dave     International Student Entrepreneur, Founding CEO of Spotmi

Aakash Dave

"It was pretty deep and the assignments were demanding so I had to work hard to get the point."
— Renato Roschel Ribeiro, MBA     International Student Director of Digital & Analytics | Data Analytics Professor

Renato Roschel Ribeiro, MBA