Yes! Many international students studying in the U.S. have successfully participated in Externships, and we’ve proudly supported them, including any needs for CPT/OPT documentation along the way.
Students enrolled at non-U.S. universities, such as international universities, are also eligible to participate in externships available through Extern’s subscription portal.
Externships are considered learning experiences and might not need CPT/OPT; however, if you are an international student on an F-1 visa, you may need Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization to participate, especially if the externship involves a stipend. Students on OPT visas can also participate, but you should confirm with your school’s international office or designated school official (DSO) whether OPT authorization is required. Additionally, stipend-paying externship programs are only available to students studying at U.S.-based colleges and universities who are physically present in the United States. Non-stipend participation is possible, but deferring enrollment to a later cohort is not an option. If you cannot proceed without the stipend, the offer may be withdrawn.
The responsibility for determining your CPT/OPT needs rests entirely with you, and we encourage you to connect with your university’s international office or designated school official (DSO) to gain clarity.
If you need any supporting documents from Extern, we’re more than happy to provide them.
For instance, we can provide an offer letter to support your CPT application, but you must enroll in the externship through the Extern student portal if CPT is required.
Please contact our team for further information, and consult your school’s international office or designated school official (DSO) for case-specific guidance.