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.