Big Data

J-1 Academic Training

Paid or non-paid (volunteer) training directly related to the field of study on your DS-2019

Academic training is authorized on a part-time basis while you are enrolled in classes, and either part-time or full-time after you complete your program of study.

Academic Training for J-1 Students

Eligibility

  • Maintain good academic standing
  • For non-degree students, the length of time of academic training may not exceed actual study time or the number of months already spent in classes at Cal Poly
  • Have a recommendation from your Cal Poly exchange coordinator or academic advisor
  • Enrollment is not required
  • If you are requesting Academic Training to begin after you finish your studies at Cal
    Poly, you will be required to:
    • Provide proof of health insurance for the duration of the academic training period;
    • Provide proof of funds for the months you are on academic training. We will need documentation of funds totaling $1874 per month.

    How to Apply

    1. Contact Us

    E-mail Judy Mitchell (jumitche@calpoly.edu) to make an appointment to confirm your eligibility for Academic Training before you DS-2019 expires. Do not work until Academic Training is authorized and you receive your new DS-2019.

    2. Employment Letter

    Obtain a signed employment/internship offer letter  from your employer, on company letterhead, that lists the following:

    • Company name
    • Paid or unpaid (if paid, list salary to be earned)
    • Start/End dates of employment (you must start within 30 days of the program end date on your DS-2019)
    • Brief description of your job duties
    • Address of the company (location of where you will work)
    • Specific number of hours you will work per week
    • Supervisor’s name, email and phone number

    3. Request Recommendation

    Meet with your Cal Poly exchange coordinator to review the offer letter. If you don’t know who your exchange coordinator is, email intlservices@calpoly.edu. Ask the advisor to send a recommendation letter via email to Judy Mitchell.

    The recommendation letter must include:

    • Verification of good academic standing
    • The goals and objectives of the specific academic training
      opportunity
    • A description of the academic training opportunity, including the business/company name, its location (address), and the internship duties.
    • The name, phone number, and email of the training supervisor, the number of hours per week, and the start and end dates of the training
    • How the academic training relates to the student’s field of study on the DS-2019
    • Why it is an integral or critical part of your academic program

    Social Security Card

    Follow the instructions on how to apply for a Social Security card for paid employment.