Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS)
Academic Training
J-1 exchange visitor students may engage in paid off-campus employment in the U.S. to gain professional training before, and after, completion of your academic program if the employment is directly related to your coursework. This type of employment is called "Academic Training". You must be in good academic status before being eligible to apply for academic training. Participation in academic training for wages or other remuneration must be authorized in writing and in advance by CISS
Academic training after program completion must begin no later than 30 days following the completion of the student's studies. Formal authorization is also required for you to engage in non-paid internships.
J-1 exchange visitor students sponsored by Bentley University may receive academic training for the amount of time equal to your time enrolled at Bentley (eighteen month maximum). One-semester exchange students are eligible for four months of academic training while one-year exchange students are eligible for nine to twelve months.
Application Procedures
- Obtain a letter of recommendation from your academic adviser at the Cronin International Center. The letter must include:
- The goals and objectives of the specific employment opportunity;
- A description of the employment opportunity, including its location, the name and address of the supervisor, number of hours per week, and dates of the training;
- How the training relates to your major field of study; and
- Why it is an integral or critical part of your academic program
- Call CISS to schedule an appointment with the Assistant Director or Director. Be sure to bring to your appointment the recommendation letter and employment offer letter.
Authorization
The Assistant Director or Director will provide you with written authorization for the proposed academic training upon review and approval of the academic adviser's recommendation.
