<p>How hard is it to get an internship/co-op in the US for an international student?
Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>I'd be interested to know that too.</p>
<p>Do you need works permits that make the recruiting for internationals internships harder ? I mean in the case of an internationa studying in an US College.</p>
<p>If you're a F-1 visa student you will have to use your Optional Practical Training (OPT) time for paid internships outside of your academic institution. F-1 visas come with 12 months of OPT time that can either be used during your college years or the year immediately following upon graduation. This summer I used three months of my OPT for an internship, which means that I only have nine months left to work after graduation... unless I get an H1-B that is. Oh, the visa jungle :/</p>
<p>Ok, indeed 12 months only is bad !</p>
<p>But hey...if you chose not to get paid, can you not-use the OPT ?</p>
<p>From what I understand, if you choose not to get paid, then you won't be using the OPT as work without being renumerated would be considered volunteer work instead.</p>
<p>Co-ops are not considered to be part of OPT unlike internships. More like CPT (curriculum....)</p>