International Programs | Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA)

International Programs | Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA)
International Programs
International Programs serves as the hub for global engagement at LSUA. The programs support international students with immigration advising, campus resources, and cultural events for all students. We also promote cross-cultural understanding throughout the university and encourage all students to explore international education through Study Abroad opportunities. Whether students are arriving from across the world or preparing to study abroad, International Programs is here to guide and support them.
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Programs
Explore opportunities for international students, exchange visitors, and study abroad programs designed to broaden your education and cultural experiences.
International Students (F-1)
Exchange Visitor Program
Admissions
Find everything you need to apply, including requirements, visa information, and guidance on housing and health insurance.
Applications & Requirements
U.S. Immigration / Student Visa
Housing & Health Insurance
Tuition and Fees
Learn about financial aid options, scholarship opportunities, and payment details to help you plan for your education at LSUA.
Financial Aid
Payment & Scholarships
Scholarship Opportunties
Internships
Gain hands-on experience through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs.
CPT Form: Curricular Practical Training Agreement Form
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Resources
Access helpful guides and checklists for new students, pre-arrival planning, and important travel and arrival policies.
International Student Handbook
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New Student Checklist
Pre-Arrival / Arrival
Arrival, Check-In, and Travel Policy
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More Internship Information
International students may work on-campus for up to 20 hours. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in two type off-campus employment:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion, post-completion, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM))
Note
: F-1 students are not allowed to work off-campus without the authorization of OPT/CPT.  Unauthorized employment is considered a major violation by USCIS and can result in deportation, so it is important to make sure that you are following all employment regulations for your status.
On-Campus Employment
Apply for On-Campus Jobs
F-1 students may work on-campus up to 20 hours while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during university breaks and holidays.
Find a job by word-of-mouth and visit each individual office or view job opportunities.
Complete application form.
Wait for approval from Human Resources before beginning work.
U.S. Taxes
F-1 students who work-on campus will be required to pay tax on their earnings. Please work with the LSUA Human Resources Office to ensure the necessary paperwork is completed. For detailed information on U.S. taxes, please refer to
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Requirements for OPT
OPT must relate directly to the Student’s Major of Study. This must be documented in LSUA records and SEVIS in detail.
The student does not have to secure training before applying for OPT.
The student remains on current student visa with updated I-20 for up to 12 months.
OPT for STEM graduates can be awarded for 24 months.
Authorization comes in the form of an EAD card (Employment Authorization Document) with official dates when the student is allowed to work.
While applying for OPT it is not recommended that you leave the US until approval is granted.
Type of OPT
Post-Completion OPT: Students may participate in Post-Completion OPT after degree completion and may work part time (20 hours or less per week) or full time (40 hours per week).
Pre-Completion OPT: Part-time OPT is available before students graduate. Students are allow to work up to 20 hours per week.
When to apply for OPT
Spring Graduate - Apply
Fall Graduate - Apply
No earlier than 90 days prior to program completion
By February 15
By September 15
No later than 60 days after program completion
No later than July 15
No later than February 15
How to Apply for OPT
Complete the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Meet with PDSO to change I-20 and update your email address.
Mail new I-20, I-765 along with:
Application Fee (Check to see that the I-765 Filing Fee is current)
Two identical color photos – passport style (2”x2”) taken in the last 30 days
Copy of Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record
Copy of your passport (should not be expired).
** This information must be mailed within 30 days of I-20 change! We suggest that you mail with tracking information
PLEASE NOTE:
The approval process may take 90 days or more.
After OPT approval you must update your employment information, address, phone number through the SEVIS portal. Information regarding this portal is emailed to you once OPT is approved.
Once OPT is completed, you have 30 days to leave the US.
If you plan to pursue another degree after OPT, you must secure acceptance before OPT ends. Do not transfer your I-20 until OPT is completed.
If you return home after OPT and plan to pursue another degree, and you are out of the country for more than 5 months, you will need a new I-20 from the next university. SEVIS fee will be required.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Requirements for CPT
CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a type of employment authorization that allows F-1 students to participate in off-campus employment deemed an integral part of an established curriculum and must directly relate to a major area of study.
Students must remain enrolled full-time and are expected to maintain physical presence on campus during fall and spring CPT.
This requirement limits students to work on a part-time basis and usually work for their employers in the local area.
Students must be enrolled in a CPT course and approved by an academic advisor.
Training must be secured before CPT can be authorized.
Training must occur before the program end date of Form I-20.
CPT must be indicated on I-20 by PDSO or DSO.
CPT authorization is up to one year. However, each CPT is processed and authorized term by term.
Time used for CPT is deducted from OPT eligible time.
Number
Courses
AVIA 4999 - Internship
BIOL 3901 - Internship in Biological Sciences
BUSN 4991 - Business Internship
CHEM 2991 - Introductory Chemistry Internship
CHEM 4991 - Chemistry Internship
CJUS 4999 - Internship in Criminal Justice
CMST 2901 - Internship
CMST 3901 - Internship II
CMST 4901 - Internship III
10
CSCI 2991 - Introductory Computer Science Internship
11
CSCI 4991 - Computer Science Internship
12
CYBR 2991 - Introductory Cybersecurity Internship
13
CYBR 4991 - Cybersecurity Internship
14
DSEM 3900 - Internship in Disaster Science and Emergency Management
15
EDCI 4930 - Teacher Practitioner Residency
16
ENGL 3901 - Internship
17
FIAR 2901 - Internship
18
FIAR 3901 - Internship II
19
FIAR 4901 - Internship III
20
HESC 4610 - Health Sciences Internship
21
HIST 3999 - Public History Internship
22
INTE 2991 - Introductory Information Technology Internship
23
INTE 4991 - Information Technology Internship
24
KINS 4999 - Kinesiology Internship
25
LTCA 3060 - Long Term Care Administration Internship I
26
LTCA 3061 - Long Term Care Administration Internship II
27
LTCA 4060 - Long Term Care Administration Internship III
28
LTCA 4061 - Long Term Care Administration Internship IV
29
MATH 2991 - Introductory Mathematics Internship
30
MATH 4991 - Mathematics Internship
31
POLI 2901 - Internship (Internship)
32
THTR 4901 - Theatre Internship
International Student Orientation
International students have their own Orientation session the week before classes start in the fall in order to become more familiar with the University and its procedures and to make friends from around the world. The Orientation session will answer any lingering questions and assist international students get set up on campus with meal plans and any other items.
International and Multicultural Student Association (IAM)
The International and Multicultural Student Association is one of the largest student organizations on campus and home to students from around the world. The mission of the organization is to help support and help foster the international student community on the LSUA campus and to cultivate an appreciation for the diversity of cultures both local and global. Any LSUA student is invited to join.
International Student Activities
The international students at LSUA are active throughout the college campus participating in numerous events. Our international students participate in the Ms. LSUA Pageant, serve on Student Government, and represent our various athletic teams. Other popular events include the Multicultural Festival, International Student Graduation Reception, and Crawfish Boil.
International Programs Staff
Nina Cox, MBA
Coordinator of International Programs
ncox@lsua.edu
(318) 473-6552
Connie Cooper, M.Ed.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights & Title IX, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and Adjunct Instructor of Psychology
ccooper@lsua.edu
(318) 473-6558
Connect With Us
Student Center Room W213
8100 Hwy 71 South
Alexandria, LA 71302
(318) 437-6552
ncox@lsua.edu
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