Experiential. Personalized. Global.
These are the cornerstones of Arcadia University’s promise and approach to liberal arts education. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to preparing Arcadia graduates to contribute and prosper in a diverse and dynamic world. For more detailed information or other inquiries, do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Team at international@arcadia.edu.
Academic Support & Student Life
With support and guidance from advisors, students can take the initiative, self-educate, and embrace their responsibilities for a successful academic experience. Students can take advantage of the learning resource network, the writing center, disability support services, and the career education to further their understanding of what their future might look like.
I-PALs
International Peer Associates Mentors (IPALs) are trained students who help incoming international students adjust to college life at Arcadia University. IPALs play a key role in helping the Global Engagement team throughout the year by providing support services to students such as orientation, peer mentorship, and social and cultural programming.
Meet Our IPALs
English Language Support
English Language Support Services are located within the Division of Civic & Global Engagement, 6 Royal Ave. Help is available by appointment for students who want to improve their English speaking or writing. Instructors and advisers are encouraged to refer students, and workshops and consultations are available for faculty as well.
Learn More
Writing Center
The Writing Center provides Arcadia University students, faculty and staff with one-on-one, collaborative guidance on their writing. We work with writers in all disciplines and majors on any assignment and at any stage of the writing process. Through open-ended discussion, writing, and sharing, we help writers to better understand the decisions they make in their writing and to adapt responsibly to a wide variety of writing across the disciplines.
Learn More
Work Options
With an F-1 visa, international students can obtain authorization for the following types of work: Pre-Completion OPT, Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and on-campus positions. Students are not permitted to work off-campus unless it is authorized. Please discuss your options with your DSO before starting any sort of work.
On Campus Employment
On-campus employment provides a great way to gain experience, build skills, and earn income while staying connected to the Aradia community. Various roles are available to support your academic and professional growth, from research to student services.
Undergraduate
Students do not need any work authorization to work on Arcadia’s campus. Undergraduates looking to work on campus should talk to staff in the Office of Career Education. They will help you find a placement. Once you have secured work, please check in with an advisor to review regulations. If you need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN), please see the section above with details on how to apply. It is important to note that international students are not eligible for positions categorized as “work-study.”
Graduate
Graduates can work on campus as Graduate Assistants. Graduate Assistants are considered contractors and work on personal projects that a department will identify.
If you are interested in being a Graduate Assistant, please contact the Office of Career Education at
StudentEmployment@arcadia.edu. Note you will need a SSN: If you need to obtain an SSN, please see the section detailing how to apply for one below.
Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is intended to provide F-1 students the opportunity to obtain work experience in the U.S. where it serves as an integral part of a student’s academic program and established curriculum, prior to the completion of that program. CPT includes internships, practicum, research, and clinical rotations. If a student engages in unlawful employment, they are no longer eligible for practical training and it may affect their visa status. CPT is regulated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Eligibility for CPT/Internships
- Student has been enrolled full-time for a minimum of one academic year.
- Practical training must directly relate to a students program of study/major.
- CPT must be an integral and required part of an established curriculum.
- The internship/practical training must be required by your major OR
- Students must be enrolled in a credit bearing course that directly oversees the internship.
- CPT will be authorized for the duration of the corresponding academic course. This includes summer sessions
Application Procedures
It is important to note that students must apply for CPT prior to starting work. Working without authorization is a violation of the F-1 visa and may affect a students immigration status.
- Enroll in the course that corresponds with the work experience you are requesting.
- Obtain a job offer letter from employer (Use this template) and include:
- Start and end date of employment (must overlap with academic course)
- Number of intended hours per week
- Name and contact information for supervisor
- Address/location of employment
- Job description
- Complete the CPT Application with your academic advisor or professor leading the course.
Send the offer letter and completed application to Jessica Doyle doylej@arcadia.edu or deliver to the Office of Civic and Global Engagement at 6 Royal Ave. Incomplete paperwork will not be accepted.
Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for a minimum of one academic year. OPT allows a student who has successfully completed their degree to participate in 12 months of work authorization directly related to their major. There are several different kinds of OPT. Pre-Completion, Post-Completion, and STEM. If a student has engaged in unlawful employment, they are no longer eligible for practical training.
Pre-Completion OPT
If a student wishes to work in a field related to their major but their program does not allow for CPT, they can apply for Pre-Completion OPT. This allows students to work on for a limited amount of time prior to graduation. Pre-completion OPT deducts from the available 12 months of post completion OPT.
Post-Completion OPT
This is the most common type of OPT and allows students to work for up to 12 months after degree completion in their field of study.
STEM OPT
This is permissible for those who have specific STEM degrees. Students can check this by cross-referencing the CIP code listed on the I-20 with the government-approved list of STEM degrees here. STEM OPT allows students to work for an additional 24 months after their initial year of Post-Completion OPT.
Life in Pennsylvania
Driving in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires that non-immigrants entry documents (I-20/DS-2019) be valid for at least one year into the future in order to apply for a Pennsylvania State ID or a driver’s license. Therefore, those approaching the end of their program will need to wait for OPT approval or until they have new I-20s for continued education before applying or renewing a license.
- New students must wait 14 days from their SEVIS registration before they are eligible to apply for a driver’s license or state ID. More information is available on the DMV website.
- First time drivers in PA will first apply for a Learner’s Permit and take a written test. After learning how to drive, applicants then take a road test to obtain a driver’s license. The driver’s license application also includes a physical exam that can be conducted at a doctor’s office. Students must apply in person at any DMV that offers Driver’s License/Learner’s Permit Services. Locations and operating hours can be found online.
Applying for a Social Security Number
After receiving an SSN, it is very important to keep the actual number and the physical card safe. DO NOT carry around the social security card. It is best to memorize the SSN and leave the card in a safe place. If the Social Security Card is lost, contact the Social Security Administration for a replacement.
International students are only eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) once they have secured employment in the U.S. Students are not eligible for an SSN if they are not working. New students must wait 14 days after SEVIS Registration is complete in order to apply for an SSN.
Application Procedure
- Obtain an offer letter from your employer.
- Submit your offer letter to your International Student Advisor so we can issue you a support letter for your SSN application.
- Once you have your offer letter and support letter from your DSO, complete the online application.
- At the end of the application, it will prompt you to make an appointment. As of January 2025, the SSA no longer accepts walk-in appointments.
The Social Security Administration has two offices near campus:
– 701 E Chelten Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
– 2 Penn Center Suite 2000B, 1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102 - Bring the required documents to your in-person appointment: – Passport
– Visa
– A copy of your most recent I-94
– Your most recent I-20/DS-2019
– Employer letter
– DSO support letter
Next Steps for New International Students
After admission, it is time to prepare for your Arcadia journey. From securing your visa to planning your arrival and attending orientation, we are here to guide you through every step and help you settle in with confidence.
