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International Student Experiences

As part of our Widener international student community, you'll have the opportunity to fill your calendar with unique, engaging experiences, social activities, and so much more.

Engage with our International Community

While all of Widener is here to welcome you, you'll also be part of a special community of international students and an international support team.

students enjoy international tea and coffee

Participate in ISS Programs

Throughout the year, ISS hosts a variety of events, excursions, and celebrations that bring our diverse campus together to celebrate and explore unique cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. 

In addition to large campus events open to everyone; you'll also have opportunities to engage and have fun within our close-knit international student community.

Performance at Multicultural Fair

Celebrate International Education Week

Each year, we designate a whole week to interactive and educational activities that celebrate the diversity of Widener and the different cultures represented here. Enjoy food, films, language classes, and more.

Gain Experiences That Prepare You for Success (And Fit Visa Requirements)

Just because you're here on a student visa doesn't mean certain college experiences are off-limits to you. Plan ahead and seek guidance from the ISS team.

Students in Costa Rica

Study Abroad or "Away" Throughout the US

We clearly know you already love to travel and see the value of a global education, why not keep it going? With special advanced planning, you can  participate in impactful global experiences--whether a short trip or full-semester. 

The most critical things to keep in mind are maintaining your full-time student status and being prepared for re-entry if traveling abroad. Visit the visa information page for more details, and reach out to the ISS team to review your study abroad/away opportunities.

Student networking at career fair

Build Your Resume & Prepare for Your Career

You'll have countless opportunities to build your resume at Widener. Keep an eye out for all the opportunities available to students through Career Design & Development--whether you're interested in participating in mock interviews, exploring career opportunities, or even shadowing an alumni, you're part of the Pride and are able to fully participate in these programs.

When it comes to co-ops, internships, and student work opportunities, there are nuances that must be considered in order to work in accordance to visa regulations--but that's why we're here! By working with ISS and career advisors, we'll review all the opportunities available to you to grow your resume and prepare for a thriving career.

Contact the ISS team with all questions before pursuing employment.

To work in the United States, you need to fill out a Form I-9. This form helps verify your identity and confirms that you have the right to work in the US while you study here. All employers, including our university, must complete this form for every employee, including international students like you.

How to Complete the I-9 Form:

  1. Download the I-9 Form
  2. Fill out the first part of the form, including your personal information such as your name, address, and date of birth.
  3. Add your work authorization details. As an international student, you'll typically show your passport, I-20 form, and your I-94 form.
  4. Take your completed I-9 form and original documents (passport, I-20, I-94) to Widener's International Student Services office. We will review your documents and work with HR to complete the second part of the form.

View Pages 2-3 for Detailed Guidance for Completing the I-9 Form

Taxes as an International Student

Just like US Residents, international students who have been employed in the United States are required to file a tax return. It’s important to understand that filing tax returns is mandatory for international students, and not doing so by the deadline (April 15 for the previous calendar year) could result in problems with or a revocation of your visa as well as possible ineligibility for a green card.

If you have any questions or need help with the process, feel free to contact our team. We’re here to assist you!

As an international student, some off-campus work experiences may be available to you with special authorization and meeting   options for working off-campus, but you need special authorization according to government regulations. 

Understanding Your Off-Campus Work Employment Options:

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to F-1 students for work experiences integral to your academic studies.
    • Requirements: The job must be required to graduate or satisfy elective credits that will count towards graduation.
    • Work Hours: You can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during school breaks.
    • How to Apply: Submit a CPT request through Terra Dotta and get authorization from your Designated School Official (DSO) before beginning any work experience.
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation. STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension.
    • How to Apply: Attend an ISS info session early in your graduating semester to learn how to apply. The application needs to be approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • Severe Economic Hardship & Emergent Circumstances, in rare cases, F-1 students may be able to find off-campus work opportunities they are facing extreme financial circumstances
    • Requirements: There are very strict eligibility criteria to qualify.
    • Meet with your DSO to discuss your situation and see if you qualify.
  • Academic Training opportunities are available for J-1 students who would like to gain hands-on work experience in their field of study.
    • Requirements: The work experience must be related your major.
    • Work Hours: You can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during school breaks.
    • Duration: Work can last for the length of your program or up to 18 months, whichever is shorter.
    • How to Apply: Request authorization through Terra Dotta and get approval before starting the job.
  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for international students from countries currently granted TPS may be eligible for work authorization.
    • Requirements: You must be a citizen from a country currently granted TPS from the U.S. government.
    • How to Apply: Speak with your DSO to see if you qualify for TPS work authorization.

For any questions or help with the application process, contact your DSO. We’re here to support you!

On-campus work is usually a great option for both F-1 and J-1 international students to gain a bit of work experience. Widener University offers many student employment opportunities from the Pride Recreation Center, IT Department, and University Relations, to the Wolfgram Memorial Library, Student Engagement, and more.

  • Work Hours: You can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during school breaks.
  • Requirements: Students must submit a request for on-campus employment through Terra Dotta and receive approval before beginning any work experiences.

Learn more about on-campus student employment

Student Perspectives

My time at Widener was my very first interaction with chemical engineering and the medical side of things. I really like this and want to look into whether I can get a job in the future in this area.
Daniël van der Spoel
Class of 2024
Undergraduate | Computer Science
Read Daniël's Story
Daniël van der Spoel

Student Perspectives

Widener has done a really good job preparing me for what hands-on work was going to look like, how I can use my major, and what options I have.
Brandon Matambo
Class of 2023
Undergraduate | Bachelor's in International Business; Minor in Political Science
Read Brandon's Story
Brandon Matambo stands in the lobby of Quick Center; behind him is a stock ticker and students walking down steps

Student Perspectives

I know this was the right program for me. If someone was wondering if Widener was the right place for their MBA, I would just say go for it.
Karina Brasil
Class of 2022
Graduate | MBA
Read Karina's Story
Karina Brasil stands in front of stone wall

Student Perspectives

Classes are small. So you can actually have that deep conversation with professors. It turns into an almost individual class and becomes better in the learning process.
Luis Aguilar
Class of 2017 and 2018
Graduate | Biomedical Engineering Major, Biomedical Engineering Master's
Read Luis's Story
Luis Aguilar Biomedical Engineering Student

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