International Student Internship Eligibility
- As of August 2026, international students enrolled in majors that do not have an internship as an academic graduation requirement will not be eligible for CPT. To complete an internship, 2nd and 3rd year students must engage in the pre-completion OPT process and work carefully with ISSA. NO UNDERGRADUATE SMEAL MAJORS CURRENTLY REQUIRE AN INTERNSHIP AS A GRADUATION REQUIREMENT.
- Please note that the resources shared below can assist you in securing an internship but that all processes must be followed closely with ISSA.
For more information on searching for a job or internship as an international student, see our Hiring Resources for Smeal International Student packet.
Hiring Resources for International Students
Overwhelmed about finding an internship or job as an international student? This information provides helpful advice and resources on how to begin looking. Learn more here.
Companies That Have Hired Smeal International Students
These lists detail where Smeal international students secured their internships and jobs from 2015-2017 school years as reported in a student survey.
Penn State Office of Global Programs
Learn more about the rules and logistics of being employed as an international student.
International Internships
Students interested in interning abroad have a challenging, exhilarating cultural experience that includes a chance to build work skills, while learning about the working environment of a different country.
Helpful Sites for the Job Search
Scroll through the BCC’s list of job search resources to help narrow down what you are looking for!
- GoinGlobal – Search more than 80,000 resources for finding international employment at home and abroad. Enter Nittany Lion Careers and access GoinGlobal under Resources>Content Library.
- MyVisaJobs – Lists the top 100 visa sponsors by year
- InternationalStudent.com – Look for international work or internships
- Monster (International) – Explore international career opportunities
- Indeed Worldwide – Find international job opportunities and resources
- OPTnation – OPT jobs, CPT jobs, STEM OPT, F1 and H1B Jobs in the USA
- Ultimate H1B Sponsor Checker – Chrome Extension!
- Careernomics – Find roles across the role, view country guides, gain H1B insights, research industry guides, access Leadership Deveopment programs and more! Be sure to use your PSU email address when you select “Register as a Candidate” and select Smeal as your school.
Contact Information
Contact International Student & Scholar Advising (ISSA)
410 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6348
Email: issa-adviser@psu.edu
Contact the Business Career Center
114 Business Building, University Park, PA 16802
Fax: 814-863-9953
Email: SmealCareers@smeal.psu.edu
Interstride
Interstride is a new platform available for international students within the Smeal College of Business, helping students launch their careers both in the U.S. and globally.
