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Overview

Internship Program, International Student Work Authorization & Summer Internship Funding

SIPA Internship Program 

  1. Internships are an integral part of the student experience at SIPA. 
  2. Internships assist students to learn field related skills, learn from industry experts, and be more competitive when entering the workforce.
  3. Students in most two-year MPA and MIA programs have a degree requirement to conduct a relevant, eligible internship along with submitting completed course paperwork to the Career Advancement Center. 
  4. Some students may be qualified to request a waiver of their SIPA internship requirement through submitting the proper form and supporting documents. 
    1. Please see the “Waiving the Internship/Professional Development Requirement” section of this website for more information.
  5. In addition, all students are encouraged to explore internships as part of their education and career development.
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International Student Work Authorization

  1. F-1 and J-1 students must obtain authorization from the Columbia International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) to undertake an off-campus U.S.-based internship that is a degree requirement. 
  2. For F-1 students, this authorization is Curricular Practical Training (CPT); for J-1 students this authorization is Academic Training (AT). 
    1. F-1 students check in with CAC regarding CPT items.
    2. J-1 students check in with their advising dean or program director regarding AT items.
  3. SIPA's Career Advancement Center (CAC) strongly recommends that F-1 and J-1 international students and exchange visitors receive the proper authorization from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for any internship done off-campus during their program of study, regardless if it is unpaid/uncompensated or paid/compensated, because of changes in immigration agencies' interpretation of unauthorized work and its impact on your future immigration plans.
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Summer Internship Funding

  1. Each year, SIPA provides a limited number of competitive summer internship stipends. 
  2. Summer internship stipends are awarded to qualifying students to partially supplement the costs of unpaid or low-paying summer internships.
  3. External Summer Stipend Resource is provided for students to apply for summer funding from external parties.
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