Many Singaporean students take up internships during the course of their studies. But why not step out of the norm fventure out to other parts of the world and make your internship a much more memorable one? From the tech giants and startups of Silicon Valley to the media, fashion, and finance conglomerates of New York City, internships in the United States are highly sought after by Singapore students. However, there are many points to consider before you embark on an internship in a brand new place alone.
US Visa
The internship company in the US would require you to be equipped with either a J or F visa before you can legally undertake an internship. If you are currently studying in the US as an international student, you should already have a F visa which allows you to undertake an internship. If you are visiting the US solely for the internship you would probably have to apply for a J visa. There are many visa classifications in the US, so make sure that you apply for the right one before setting off for your internship.
To qualify as an intern, you must be currently enrolled in a foreign university, or have graduated within the past 12 months. You may intern in the U.S. for 12 months, but prior to that you must go through a designated sponsor to obtain your J-1 visa. The sponsors vary widely in costs and benefits of their programs. Sponsors are people that will help you find an internship and maybe even help with logistics when you go to the US. Or if you have already found an internship on your own, the sponsors can help you to complete the necessary paperwork for a visa and save you the hassle.The internship company in the US would require you to be equipped with either a J or F visa before you can legally undertake an internship. If you are currently studying in the US as an international student, you should already have a F visa which allows you to undertake an internship. If you are visiting the US solely for the internship you would probably have to apply for a J visa. There are many visa classifications in the US, so make sure that you apply for the right one before setting off for your internship.
Workplace Culture
America is a big country and the workplace culture would differ across different states, different industries, and different people. For example the newest tech startup in Silicon Valley would be more laid back, with flexible working hours and casual attire. Whereas working at the biggest banks in New York City could mean long intense hours at work, formal attire, and plenty of workplace formalities.
Getting your visa settled and understanding the workplace culture is just a small part of preparing for your overseas internship experience in the US. Do lots of readings on what to expect and get ready to have your once in a lifetime experience of the American culture
Getting your visa settled and understanding the workplace culture is just a small part of preparing for your overseas internship experience in the US. Do lots of readings on what to expect and get ready to have your once in a lifetime experience of the American culture
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