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<li>One of the things I like most about GT is the co-op program. I narrowed down my list of schools with that criteria, so it's very important. As an international student (with complicated immigration stuff to deal with to be able to do CPT work), how EASY and how LIKELY is it for me to be able to participate in co-ops? </li>
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<p>I'm hoping I can do alternate semesters after my first year (international students aren't allowed off-campus work as freshmen). That would total to around 1-2/year starting sophomore year, and I'm guessing since it isn't likely for me to graduate in 4 years, my co-op grand total would be around 6~ (50-50% chance, so 2 co-ops/ year for 2 years, 1 co-op/year for 2 years). Is that too much? Average? </p>
<p>Also, can anyone clarify whether I would be allowed to work for more than 12 months under CPT? There's a cap of 12 months for OPT (with possible 17-month STEM extension), and it said that if I work for more than 12 months under CPT, I will lose my OPT privilege. So does that imply 12+ months under CPT is possible? Can I avail of the STEM extension if I did?</p>
<p>Curricular</a> Practical Training</p>
<p>The US Department of Homeland Security regulations state that Curricular Practical Training (CPT) must be "an integral part of an established curriculum." They define curricular practical training as "alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school." Thus, CPT for F-1 students is intended to provide work experience in situations where the work serves as an integral part of a student's academic program, prior to completion of that program. </p>
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<li>Roughly speaking, by what percent does the tuition at Tech rise? What can I do to help me pay for COA? I don't really want to graduate with more than $50K in debt. I contacted both the co-op center and admissions, and one of them (I can't remember who it was) sent me a link to a pdf file, which was an application for tuition waiver. Basically, I can declare that due to unforeseen circumstances I would need financial assistance. And in turn, I may be granted in-state tuition. Does anyone know how often Tech grants this to internationals?</li>
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<p>A big advanced thank you to anyone who can help :D</p>