<p>The current and former director of admissions told me about the I-20 stuff at Olin.</p>
<p>People on H-4 visas can apply for a work permit, which allows them to work over the summer and off-campus. I don't think it's very hard to get. The only problem with the H-4 visa is if the H-1b parent decides to leave the country. In that case, the student can apply for a F-1 visa.</p>
<p>Tsubie-chan: some internships are unpaid, but internships in engineering are generally paid. But if you do have an unpaid one, yes your family would have to come up with the fee (unless you find a fellowship from the school or elsewhere for uncompensated summer work)</p>