How to find international student internships in the U.S.

If you’re a student from Nepal preparing to study in the U.S., finding an internship might seem overwhelming. But it can be one of the smartest steps you take during your master’s program. Internships offer more than just income. They help you build skills, expand your network and increase your chances of full-time employment after graduation.

Internships also give you exposure to professional life in the U.S., which can be very different from what you’re used to back home. But unlike in Nepal, where placements might be arranged through family or informal networks, you’ll be expected to search, apply and secure your own internship abroad. This article will help you understand how international student internships work, how to stay within visa rules and how to find the right opportunity for your goals.

How internships work for international students in the U.S.

Internships in the U.S. are tightly connected to your student visa. As a Nepali student, you’re most likely on an F-1 visa, which allows you to work under specific programs designed for learning and experience.

CPT for international students

Curricular practical training (CPT) for international students is one of the first options available to you. CPT allows you to work while still enrolled in your master’s degree program, but only if the internship is directly tied to your field of study.

To qualify for CPT:

You must have completed at least one academic year (unless your program requires earlier work).
Your internship must relate directly to your major.
You must have an offer letter before applying.
Your designated school official (DSO) must approve the internship and issue an updated I-20 form.

Some Nepali students may qualify for CPT earlier if their academic program includes work experience as part of the curriculum. Always check with your school to confirm your eligibility.

Optional practical training (OPT)

Optional practical training allows you to work after graduation (post-completion) or during your studies (pre-completion) in a job related to your degree. Most Nepali students choose to use OPT after finishing their degree to get one year of professional experience in the U.S.

Key facts about OPT:

You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.
You must apply for OPT approval through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Once approved, you’ll receive an employment authorization document (EAD)
You can work up to 12 months, and if you’re in a STEM field, you may apply for a 24-month extension

Many OPT jobs for international students eventually lead to full-time roles or sponsorship. For Nepali students dreaming of staying longer in the U.S., this can be a valuable stepping stone.

Visa compliance is essential

You cannot start working without proper approval. Working without authorization can lead to serious visa violations. Whether you plan to work through CPT, OPT or both, always speak with your DSO and make sure your documents are in order.

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Why internships matter for Nepali students

Many students from Nepal face unique challenges when planning their careers abroad. You may have limited professional experience before arriving. Your family might be under financial pressure to support your studies. And you may feel unsure about how hiring works in the U.S.

Internships help in all these areas:

They give you local work experience that makes your resume more competitive.
They help you understand how U.S. companies operate.
They let you explore different roles in your field before committing to one path.
Paid internships can help cover living costs during your studies.

In Nepal, many students rely on personal referrals to find work. In the U.S., hiring is more formal, but networking still plays a major role. Internships give you a foot in the door and introduce you to professional contacts who can recommend you later.

Where and how to find internships in the U.S.

Finding an internship as an international student is possible, but it takes time, research and preparation. Here’s how to approach your search as a student from Nepal.

1. Use your university resources

Most U.S. universities offer career services with support tailored for international students. They can help you:

Create a U.S.-style resume and cover letter
Practice for interviews
Learn about CPT and OPT timelines
Connect with companies that regularly hire international students

Visit your career center early in your program, even if you don’t need a job right away.

2. Search internship-friendly job boards

Many job boards allow you to filter listings based on visa needs or program eligibility. Try these platforms:

Interstride (designed for international students)
Handshake (used by most U.S. universities)
Myvisajobs (shows employers who have hired F-1 students)
LinkedIn (look for recruiters familiar with international hiring)

If you’re aiming for jobs for international students in the U.S., these platforms can help you avoid wasting time on employers who cannot hire students with CPT or OPT.

3. Attend job fairs and networking events

U.S. companies often recruit through career fairs or tech meetups. Some events are even hosted by international student associations or university departments. These are good opportunities to introduce yourself, ask about hiring processes and follow up with recruiters later.

As a Nepali student, remember that networking in the U.S. can feel unfamiliar at first. Start with professors, classmates and alumni from Nepal who have completed internships. Their advice can help you build confidence.

4. Prepare early and stay organized

The internship hiring cycle in the U.S. often starts months in advance. For summer roles, applications may open as early as September or October. If you’re counting on an internship for experience or income, apply early and follow all deadlines.

Many Nepali students are not used to tracking multiple applications, but it’s important. Keep a spreadsheet or document with each job title, company, application date and status. This helps you stay focused and follow up properly.

Nepali student working in STEM, while studying abroad at a university

MPOWER Financing helps Nepali students prepare for internships

Many Nepali students struggle to gain international work experience because they’re unsure about the rules, afraid of high costs or unaware of available support. MPOWER Financing helps bridge these gaps through financial support and resources designed specifically for international students.

Here’s how MPOWER can support your internship journey:

Education loans without a cosigner: Many Nepali students cannot qualify for bank loans because of the collateral or cosigner requirement. MPOWER offers no-cosigner international student education loans that cover tuition and living expenses.
Support for visa-compliant internships: MPOWER works exclusively with F-1 visa students, so all funding options align with U.S. visa rules. You can focus on building your career without risking your immigration status.
Career support through Path2Success: MPOWER’s Path2Success program offers free access to resume tools, internship prep guides, LinkedIn optimization and more. These resources are designed for international students who may not know where to begin.
Success stories from Nepali students: Hearing from other Nepali students who have used MPOWER to fund their education and land internships can be encouraging. These stories show that it’s possible to succeed, even without family connections or prior U.S. experience.

Whether you’re trying to qualify for CPT, apply for OPT or secure housing while interning in a U.S. city, MPOWER offers a foundation you can build on.

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FAQs

When can I start an internship in the U.S. as a Nepali student?If you are on an F-1 visa, you can begin working on campus right away. For off-campus internships, you need CPT approval after completing at least one academic year. If your program requires earlier work, you may qualify sooner.

What is the difference between CPT and OPT?CPT is used for internships during your studies and must be tied to your academic program. You need a job offer and approval from your DSO. OPT can be used before or after graduation and offers more flexibility. You do not need a job offer to apply, but you must be approved by USCIS.

Can I get a paid internship in the U.S.?Yes. Many internships offer a salary or hourly wage. Whether paid or unpaid, all internships require proper work authorization for international students. Even unpaid internships are considered work under U.S. visa rules and need CPT or OPT approval.

Do internships help me get full-time jobs in the U.S.?Absolutely. Many students use internships as a stepping stone to full-time work after graduation. If you’re on OPT, employers may offer sponsorship if they see your value and potential.

What if I cannot find an internship right away?It’s common to apply to many internships before receiving an offer. Use your university’s resources and keep applying. In the meantime, take part in research, campus jobs or volunteering to build your resume.

Is it hard for Nepali students to get internships in the U.S.?The process is competitive, but not impossible. Many Nepali students have successfully found internships through early preparation, strong applications and good networking. Career centers and programs like MPOWER’s Path2Success can make a big difference.

Can I work more than one internship using CPT?Yes, but each internship must be approved separately and tied to your academic program. Your DSO must issue a new I-20 each time you change employers.

Will my internship affect my OPT eligibility?Only if you do more than 12 months of full-time CPT. Part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility. Most Nepali students use CPT for internships and reserve OPT for post-graduation jobs.

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International student internships: A practical path for Nepali students studying in the U.S.