Student Employment Information

A benefit of your Student (F-1) or Exchange Visitor (J-1) visa status is the eligibility to seek employment, both on- and off-campus.

There are several types of employment options for students in F-1 and J-1 status. Including the below information, please refer to left side menu options to learn more.

For Middlebury College Students

Off-Campus Opportunities

You may be eligible for internships within and outside of the U.S., volunteer roles, and on-campus roles (including research).

Internships within the U.S.

In most cases this will require Pre-Completion OPT; for more information visit our Optional Practical Training webpage.

Internships outside the U.S.

In many cases this will not require formal work authorization. Consult ISSS to confirm in advance. For assistance in finding opportunities outside the U.S., visit the Career Center and consider speaking with an advisor at the center.

On-campus roles, including research

Review our On-Campus Employment webpage for important requirements and information.

Volunteer Roles

Require careful consideration because some activities may be viewed as employment under immigration rules. Consult ISSS in advance.

Learn More

International students who want to learn more about searching for employment and working in the U.S. may want to review the resources below. We encourage students to utilize resources available in the Career Center in Vermont and the Center for Advising and Career Services (CACS) in Monterey as you prepare to pursue internships, post-graduation employment, and other opportunities.

Middlebury College Career Center in Vermont offers various Career Center Guides to assist students.
Middlebury Institute Center for Advising and Career Services in Monterey offers Career Management resources to assist students.
Understanding the unpaid internship and the Fair Labor Standards Act

Updated on 09/30/2026