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International student resources

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Pursuing an education in the United States can be enormously rewarding, with exciting opportunities to experience a new culture and expand your career prospects. It also comes with lots of challenges – from applying to schools and financing your education to managing immigration and adjusting to life in a new country. In this guide, we’ll explore three of the biggest challenges: financial aid and scholarships, visas and immigration, and finding jobs and internships. We’ll also direct you to helpful resources to support you in your journey.

International financial aid and scholarships

Many international students find it difficult to afford an education abroad. The cost of an international education in the U.S. can be quite high and international scholarships and financial aid can be limited. However, there are several programs and resources designed to help international students finance their education.

If your savings and family contributions won’t cover the entire cost of your education, there are two basic ways to finance the difference: gaining scholarships and grants or accessing financial aid.

International scholarships and grants

International scholarships are financial awards to help with the cost of education that are offered by universities, private organizations and government institutions. These funds do not need to be repaid, though there may be conditions to be met and maintained. Types of scholarships for international students include:

  • Merit-based scholarships: These are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership skills or other accomplishments.
  • Need-based scholarships: These awards are given to promising students who demonstrate financial need.
  • Field-specific scholarships: These funds are available for students pursuing degrees in certain fields such as STEM, business or the arts.
  • Country-specific scholarships: Some organizations offer scholarships for students from specific nations.

International financial aid

While aid from the U.S. government is quite limited for international students, several potential funding sources can be quite helpful.

  • Institutional aid: Aside from scholarships and grants, colleges and universities may offer international financial aid in the form of assistantships or work-study programs. These allow you to earn money by performing certain jobs on campus or within a department.
  • International private loans: Private student loans are a key source of funding for many international students. Private loans can be used to cover the cost of tuition, living expenses and other related costs while studying in the U.S. While many private lenders require a cosigner or collateral, some organizations like MPOWER offer no-cosigner loans that make it easier and more affordable to finance your education.

International student resources for financial aid and scholarships

As you consider how to find your education in the U.S., these international student resources can be quite helpful.

  • MPOWER Financing provides international student loans with no-cosigner or credit history required. MPOWER also offers multiple scholarship opportunities for international students.
  • International Student provides international students and study abroad students with access to a range of loan products to help fund their education abroad.
  • FastWeb provides access to find and apply for 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion.
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Visa and immigration services

Getting a visa to study in the U.S. and maintaining your visa status can feel daunting for many students. However, the right international student resources can help you understand visa requirements, organize your financial documentation and avoid mistakes that prolong the process. It’s also crucial to understand work authorization for international students, which is required to pursue employment legally while studying in the U.S.

The most common type of student visa is the F-1 visa, which lets you pursue academic studies at an accredited college or university or language training program in the U.S. It allows you to live in the U.S. while studying and to possibly extend your stay for a period of time after you graduate.

Before you can apply for a visa, you’ll need to meet several eligibility requirements. You must:

  • Be accepted by a school that’s approved by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP)
  • Have a valid passport
  • Pay the student visa fees
  • Show you have enough funds to live and study in the U.S. for the duration of your academic program

International student resources for visa and immigration

  • The SEVP website offers information about visa requirements, maintaining student status, and program or policy changes. 

Career development employment for international students

As an international student, you’ll find a variety of opportunities for work and internships during your studies or after you graduate. The three most common forms of authorized work include on-campus jobs, curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT).

On-campus jobs

With an F-1 visa, you’ll be eligible for certain jobs on campus that provide services directly to students, such as jobs in libraries, cafeterias or bookstores. You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic sessions and fulltime during breaks. You’ll be eligible to continue employment throughout your current or future degrees, but employment will end when your enrollment ends.

Curricular practical training (CPT)

CPT for international studentsis a work-study opportunity that’s required as part of an academic program and provides hands-on experience in your field of study. A CPT job must be an integral part of your curriculum, and the employer must have an agreement with your college or university. You can work parttime or fulltime. However, if you complete 12 months of full-time CPT, you’ll be ineligible for OPT.

Optional practical training (OPT)

OPT enables you to gain work experience related to your major field of study, either during or after completing your academic program. Before you graduate, you may work up to 20 hours per week during school sessions and fulltime during breaks. After graduation, you may work fulltime or parttime for 12 months. If you’re in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), you may apply to continue working in OPT jobs for international students for an additional 24 months.

Resources for internships and jobs

The following sites are excellent international student resources for finding opportunities and understanding the eligibility requirements.

  • MPOWER Path2Success program offers a guided internship and job search tool for F-1, OPT and H-1B visa-sponsored roles. It also provides a resume builder, job application support, and a directory of F-1 eligible job roles for STEM and non-STEM degrees.
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MPOWER Financing: Comprehensive international student resources

MPOWER Financing was created to help promising international students who struggle to finance a degree in the U.S. or Canada. In addition to offering affordable loans without a cosigner or collateral, MPOWER  offers career support that includes resume review, networking opportunities and exposure to full-time international student job opportunities and paid internships for international students in the USA. MPOWER also offers a variety of scholarships, a student health insurance search tool, refinancing opportunities and a wide range of international student resources on their website.

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FAQs

What health insurance options are available for international students in the U.S.?

International students are often required to have international health insurance while studying in the U.S. Many universities offer or require health plans, but private insurance providers also offer plans tailored for international students.

How can international students find housing in the U.S.?

Students can explore on-campus housing options, rent apartments or stay with host families. University housing offices and online platforms can help you find accommodations.

Are international students allowed to travel outside the U.S. during their studies?

Yes, but they must ensure their visa and immigration documents are in order and check re-entry requirements before leaving the U.S.

What are the differences between F-1, J-1 and M-1 visas?

The F-1 visa is for academic studies; the J-1 is for exchange programs; and the M-1 is for vocational training. Each has different rules regarding work and duration of stay.

Can international students open a bank account in the U.S.?

Yes, most banks allow international students to open accounts with proper identification, such as a passport and I-20 form.

What networking opportunities are available for international students?

Universities often provide career fairs, student organizations and mentorship programs that allow students to connect with professionals and peers in their field.


*Rates as low as 9.99% (11.16% APR). This interest rate and APR includes a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments.

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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