Internships for international students in the USA

If you’re a postgraduate student from Nepal, you might already know how important internships are when studying abroad. But in the United States, internships aren’t just an academic requirement or short-term job, they’re often a gateway to your future career.

Unlike in Nepal, where internships may be organized through your university or arranged informally, internships in the U.S. require you to actively search, apply, interview and secure work authorization before you can begin. The process is structured, competitive and heavily tied to your visa status.

This guide will help you understand what to expect from U.S. internships, how to prepare as a Nepali student, and how internships fit into your long-term goals for job opportunities for international students in the U.S.

Why internships matter in the U.S. job market

Internships play a very different role in the U.S. than they do in Nepal. Here’s why they are so important:

Hiring tool for companies: Many employers in the U.S. use internships to identify and evaluate potential full-time hires. If you perform well as an intern, there’s a high chance the company may offer you a full-time job after graduation.
Essential for building experience: Most U.S. job applications require some kind of professional experience. Internships help you build this experience even while you’re still studying.
Visa preparation: Internships help prepare you for later visa pathways like optional practical training (OPT) or even the H-1B visa. Employers who already know your work are more likely to sponsor you in the future.
U.S. workplace culture exposure: Working in an American company teaches you professional norms, communication styles and team expectations that can be very different from what you’re used to in Nepal.

If you want to stay in the U.S. for work after graduation, or even return to Nepal with stronger credentials, internships are a must.

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Internship requirements, visas and academic rules

As an international student on an F-1 visa, you can’t just accept any internship offer. You must first understand the U.S. student visa requirements around work authorization for international students, and how internships connect to your degree program.

Here’s a breakdown of the options:

Curricular practical training (CPT)

CPT is a form of off-campus work authorization that lets you intern during your academic program if the internship is an official part of your degree. You must:

Have completed at least one academic year (unless your program requires immediate training)
Have a job offer related to your field of study
Get authorization from your university’s designated school official (DSO) before you start working

CPT for international students is often tied to course credit or degree requirements, especially in STEM and business programs. If you skip the academic component or start without approval, your visa status may be at risk.

Optional practical training (OPT)

Optional practical training is another form of work authorization for F-1 students. It allows you to work:

During your degree (pre-completion OPT)
After you graduate (post-completion OPT)

Unlike CPT, OPT doesn’t have to be tied to a course, and you can apply even without a job offer. However, the application process takes time, usually two to three months, so plan ahead.

If you’re studying in a STEM field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization. That’s why many Nepali students who want long-term careers in the U.S. see internships as a first step toward graduate jobs in the U.S. for international students.

Common challenges Nepali students face – and how to handle them

You’re not alone if you find the internship process difficult. Here are some of the most common issues Nepali students face:

Language and communication barriers

Even if your academic English is strong, professional communication in the U.S. may feel different. Practice writing concise emails, preparing elevator pitches and answering behavioral interview questions.

Use your university’s writing center or speaking labs to sharpen your skills. Many schools offer resources specifically for international students.

Lack of U.S. work experience

If you’ve never worked in the U.S., start small. Campus jobs or volunteer roles can help you build experience and references before applying to off-campus internships.

Even lab roles, tutoring positions or student leadership experiences are worth including on your resume.

Not understanding hiring ticamelines

In Nepal, internships may be arranged just weeks before they start. In the U.S., companies often hire interns months in advance, especially for summer roles. Large companies recruit in the fall (September to November), so apply early.

Smaller companies may hire closer to the start date, but you should still begin searching several months in advance to align with CPT or OPT approval timelines.

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How MPOWER Financing can help you turn internships into long-term success

Internships are not just about building your resume, they’re also a key step in funding your degree and extending your stay in the U.S. This is where MPOWER Financing can help.

For Nepali students, MPOWER offers no-cosigner international education loans that can cover tuition and living costs at top universities in the U.S. This support can give you more freedom to:

Accept unpaid or lower-paid internships that align with your goals
Focus on academics and skill-building instead of taking unrelated jobs
Remain eligible for OPT jobs for international students after graduation

MPOWER also provides career development support through its Path2Success program, which includes interview prep and access to job search tools tailored for international students. This can help you land internships that lead to full-time job opportunities later on.

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FAQs

How is the U.S. internship system different from Nepal?

In the U.S., internships are more formal and competitive. You need to apply, interview and often secure work authorization before you can start. Unlike in Nepal, where internships may be arranged through university contacts, you’re expected to take initiative and manage the process yourself.

Can I do an internship in the U.S. without pay?

Yes, but even unpaid internships require proper work authorization. If you’re using CPT or OPT, the internship must be directly related to your field of study, regardless of pay.

When should I start applying for internships?

Start at least four to six months before your intended start date. Many companies, especially larger ones, recruit for summer internships as early as September or October.

Can I intern during my first year in the U.S.?

Usually not. Most students must complete one academic year before they’re eligible for CPT. Some programs that require immediate internships may allow earlier authorization, but this is rare and depends on your university.

What happens if I intern without CPT or OPT approval?

Working without proper authorization can put your visa at risk. It could lead to termination of your SEVIS record and make you ineligible for future work programs or visas. Always speak with your DSO before accepting any role.

Are Nepali students allowed to do remote internships for U.S. companies?

Yes, as long as the internship meets CPT or OPT guidelines and is approved through your university. Remote roles still require the same authorization as in-person internships.

Will a U.S. internship help me find a full-time job after graduation?

Absolutely. Many international students convert their internships into full-time jobs through OPT. U.S. employers often treat internships as trial runs for long-term hires.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

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