Entry by Pat Patterson; from the October INTERNnetwork
For some reason or another, some employers are hesitant to hire international students as interns. Gary Beaulieu, Butler University director of internship and career services, believes many businesses have false preconceptions about hiring international students. For example, “many employers think there is a lot of additional paperwork involved, which simply is not true,” he emphasizes.
An issue of the BU INTL – News dispels some of the myths commonly associated with hiring international students. Here are the truths:
- International students DO NOT need a green card to intern. Students who maintain an F-1 or J-1 visa status are permitted to intern in their major field of study by federal regulation (up to 12 – or possibly 29 months – for F-1 status and up to 18 months for J-1 status).
- There is NO excessive paperwork needed to hire an international intern. The student and international student office of the individual’s school handle all paperwork for F-1 and J-1 work authorization. All that is needed from the employer is a written offer of employment.
- It is NOT expensive to hire an international intern. Generally, F-1 and J-1 students are exempted from Social Security and Medicare tax requirements, which actually will save your organization money.
- International students CAN work for your organization after graduation. Students on an F-1 visa, or students on a J-1 visa who are not subject to a two-year home residency requirement, may continue to be employed for an additional year after graduation through a 12-month Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
Among benefits associated with hiring an international student:
- Language advantage: International students are bilingual (speaking English and the language of their home country). Many also speak multiple languages.
- Adaptability and resourcefulness: International students have to adapt to life in another culture, leaving family behind. As a result, they may have learned independence and self reliance at a young age.
- Cross-cultural competency: Organizations can use international students’ cross-cultural expertise (e.g., knowledge of their home country’s economic structure/market, knowledge of native culture, foreign contacts). They also may act as future “ambassadors” for your organization.
- Dedication: Since international students may tend to have fewer opportunities for obtaining an internship, they may be more grateful for the opportunities they receive.
- Academic excellence: International students are often the most talented and brightest from their home countries.
