Do you know what OPT and CPT are?
If you don’t, you’re behind the curve. The buzzworthy OPT and CPT can significantly boost the added value of your study abroad experience~
What are OPT and CPT?
OPT, short for Optional Practical Training, is a period of temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. It provides work authorization after graduation. If an international student does not apply for OPT within 60 days of graduation, they must leave the United States.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a program that allows students to work off-campus legally, provided the work is an integral part of their curriculum. According to USCIS, this employment must be a required component of the student's coursework, including internships, co-op programs, or other practicum positions, and these employers must have cooperative agreements with the school. The department offering CPT must list the work opportunities in their course catalog.
The Importance of OPT and CPT
1) Building Networks
In the U.S., around 20% of jobs are advertised through newspapers, trade magazines, or online job boards. The remaining 80% are hidden in the job market and never publicly posted; these positions are filled through word-of-mouth. Therefore, building a strong professional network is crucial for your job search. The relationships you build during your studies and the connections with colleagues during internships are also vital for your career development.
2) Internships
Students lacking industry experience should participate in at least one internship during their degree program. According to the study "U.S. Multinationals and the Foreign MBA," over 53% of international students found employment at the company where they interned. An internship at a prestigious company not only shines on your resume, but may also lead to a full-time job after graduation. Securing a meaningful internship during your studies is highly beneficial for your future career.
OPT/CPT Lecture
EducationUSA
On August 17 (this Thursday), CheersYou（清柚教育） admissions consultant Jason Wang will attend an EducationUSA event at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.
He will deliver a lecture on "The Importance of CPT/OPT/Paid Internships for the U.S. Study Experience".
// What is EducationUSA?
EducationUSA has branches in 170 countries worldwide. Each year, millions of international students through the EducationUSA global network receive accurate, comprehensive, and timely information about applying to accredited U.S. universities and colleges.
EducationUSA is part of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. EducationUSA (China) operates within the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the Public Affairs Sections of the U.S. Consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, and Chengdu. Its 12 senior educational advisers possess extensive knowledge of the U.S. higher education system and admissions processes, and assist Chinese students in successfully applying to U.S. universities.
// Lecture Topic
This EducationUSA event will be conducted in Chinese.
What is CPT? What is OPT? And what is co-op? These work-related terms and how you can maximize the value of your study abroad trip and gain more added benefits.
This lecture will feature a representative from a U.S. university that pioneered co-op programs, as well as two returned alumni who participated in CPT/OPT in the U.S., sharing their experiences.
Come to this event and listen to our admissions consultant explain what these terms mean and share his personal experiences.
// Speaker Introduction
Jason Wang
CheersYou（清柚教育） Chief Consultant, U.S. Undergrad & High School Division
Former Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at a State University of New York
Previously worked at General Electric (U.S.) and other enterprises
He was once an international student and has experienced everything that comes with studying abroad. Having taken detours and gained insights, he uses his expertise to help students access the highest quality educational resources. He believes in the power of education and strives to realize students' study abroad dreams with elite education, aiming to change the landscape of Chinese studying abroad through practical efforts.
// Lecture Outline
1) The benefits of CPT and co-op are clear: you gain knowledge, work experience, and possibly income. However, everything has two sides; CPT and co-op also have some drawbacks. How to balance these drawbacks is an important question for students.
2) Your ability to smoothly find an OPT internship after graduation is closely linked to your preparation and efforts during university. The guest speakers, as people who have been through this, will share their internship and study experiences and advice.
3) Chinese students often encounter common issues when applying for OPT. How can these problems be avoided?
4) Early planning brings early benefits. The admissions consultant will teach you how to effectively integrate overall career development planning with OPT internship opportunities.
// Eligibility Requirements for CPT
1) Students must have been in full-time F-1 status for at least one academic year (9 months). Graduate students can participate in CPT from the first semester if their degree program requires it.
2) The work must be directly related to the student's field of study and not merely for compensation.
3) A student who has completed all coursework and degree requirements is not eligible for CPT.
4) Students enrolled in English language training programs or ESL are not eligible for CPT.
// Eligibility Requirements for OPT
1) Applicants must hold valid F-1 status and apply within 90 days before completing their degree.
2) Must have completed at least two full-time semesters or nine months of study in the U.S.
3) Must have graduated from a U.S. higher education institution with at least a bachelor's degree.
4) The OPT work must be directly related to the student's major; otherwise, it is considered unauthorized employment.
Event Date and Time:
Thursday, August 17, 2017,
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: No. 55 Anjialou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (East Gate of the U.S. Embassy)
Note:
— Please bring a valid ID and your registration confirmation email to enter the Beijing American Center. Laptops and large electronic devices are not permitted. Please do not bring large bags.
— Please arrive on time at the Beijing American Center. Entry will not be permitted 30 minutes after the event starts.
— This event is free and open to the public. Audio and video recording devices are not allowed.
