Working in the United States
As an F-1 student, your primary purpose in the United States is to be a full-time student. However, we understand that volunteer work, internships, and paid work may play a key role in your time here. There are very specific rules and regulations surrounding employment for anyone holding a visa in the United States. It is very important to follow those rules and to ask questions when you don’t understand a situation.
Unauthorized work will result in the immediate termination of your visa.
Volunteering & Unpaid Internships
Volunteering in set volunteer roles is allowable as an F-1 student. We encourage international students to connect with the Jandon Center for Community Engagement to identify great volunteer opportunities in the Pioneer Valley.
Volunteering in a position that would normally be paid, however, is problematic. This can be a violation of Department of Labor laws, since you should be paid for the hours you work in a job. Be wary of jobs that are normally paid but have made an exception because you are an international student.
Unpaid internships can be tricky, too. The ISSO strongly recommends CPT for all internships, regardless of payment, since CPT is really intended for any "practical training" experience, not just to get paid. This is also true for any internship supported by Praxis funding. If there is any compensation by the employer, financial or in-kind, CPT is absolutely required. Make sure to ask questions about any “stipends,” “reimbursements,” or other types of compensation you might receive, and talk with the ISSO ahead of time to make sure you have the right authorization.
For all unpaid internships in Massachusetts, certain criteria must be met. To learn more about these requirements, visite the Massachusetts Attorney General’s website on volunteers and interns. The United States Department of Labor website also lists similar national standards for unpaid internships.
Contact International Students and Scholars
125 Wright Hall
Smith College
Northampton, MA USA
Phone: 413-585-7598 Email: interstu@smith.edu
Open office hours: Schedule a meeting with Dean Caitlin or with Claire Seely when it’s convenient for you!