Center for International Programs

Current Students

Employment Information - Curricular Practical Training

Temporary employment such as an internship, practicum, and alternative work-study or cooperative education may be authorized under certain circumstances as curricular practical training (CPT). Such training must not only be related to your major field of study but must also be an integral part of your established curriculum still in progress.

  • Training which is required by your degree program as stated in the course catalog always meets the requirements for CPT
  • Training which is not required by your degree program may meet the requirements for CPT if you receive academic credit for the training experience and it is an integral part of your established curriculum still in progress.
    • To establish that the training is an integral part of the established curriculum, the student must be enrolled for a designated internship course or independent study course specifically designed for this purpose
    • Training may ONLY be authorized for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year (Please see special instructions if you are a graduate student who has completed all course requirements)
    • Applications must be received by International Affairs for review prior to the first day of classes (to avoid potential late registration fees please plan ahead and submit your application early)
    • Students may ONLY begin training after receiving authorization from the Center for International Programs

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

  • Currently in F-1 status
  • Have been lawfully enrolled in a full course of study for at least 9 months
  • Internship offer
    • Job title and brief job description
    • Exact dates of employment
    • Number of hours of work per week
    • Physical place of employment
    • Printed on official business letterhead

Application Procedures:

Make an appointment with an Immigration Coordinator and bring the following with you:

  • Your current form I-20 together any previous form I-20 (s) you have
  • Passport
  • I-94 card
  • Training Offer Letter
  • CPT application form

Global Engagement in Action

Satya

Satya

Name:
Satya

Home Country:
India

Graduation Date:
5/2/2009

Degree:
Master of Public Health - Community Health

Statement:
"WCU gave me an excellent learning opportunity. It provided me a friendly learning environment as faculty were very friendly, easily approachable and expert in their field. It prepared me to take new job in my life. The office for international students is very helpful and will be always with you during your stay at WCU. The campus life is also great as you will have all sports facility available.


Overall my experience at WCU was excellent and I miss those days. Good luck"

Tessa

Tessa

Name:
Anastasia

Home Country:
Russian Federation

Graduation Date:
5/10/2008

Degree:
MA English

Statement
"The two years at WCU were one of the best life experiences I ever had. Awesome teaching staff, interesting classes and mainly, great support from everyone, especially from the International Office!"

Jia

Jia

Name:
Jia

Home Country:
P.R. China

Graduation Date:
August 2008

Degree:
Master degree of science in Applied Statistics

Statement
"It's my pleasure to be a member of West Chester University. Many thanks to all the people I met, all the knowledge I gained and all the experiences I earned during my two years' study abroad in WCU. They're memorable in my life"

Michael

Michael

Name:
Michael

Home Country:
UK

Graduation Date:
May 2010

Degree:
MSA: Public Administration
BA: Political Science - International Relations

Statement
"West Chester University provided me with two degrees, but more importantly, the opportunity to succeed in an increasingly challenging world. For those looking to start their academic career, West Chester University is a formidable choice when considering the state system of higher education."