CISS

Academic Training

Academic Training (AT) is an opportunity for J-1 students to engage in paid off-campus training in the United States to gain professional experience before and after completion of their academic program. J-1 Students sponsored by Bentley University may receive Academic Training for the amount of time equal to their time enrolled at the university (18 months maximum). One-semester exchange students are eligible for four months of academic training, and one-year exchange students are eligible for nine to 12 months. Students on AT remain in active J-1 status and must report changes in contact/address information or training experience to CISS.

Eligibility
  • Student must be in good academic standing
  • Student must have a job/training offer directly related to their major field of study that is at least 60% in-person
  • Training must begin no later than 30 days following the completion of studies
Process
  • Receive a written job offer
  • Complete an Academic Training (AT) application 
  • Obtain advance, written authorization from the Cronin Office of International Education for academic training that includes the following: 
    • Goals and objectives of academic training
    • Why is academic training an integral part of your academic program? 
    • Start Date of internship (must be <30 days after your J-1 program ends)
    • End Dates of internship (total internship cannot exceed the length of the J-1 program) 
    • Number of hours per week
    • Name of supervisor
    • Site of Academic Training (name of company)
    • Academic Training Address (where you will do your training)

  • CISS will review the application and written authorization to approve the AT if the student is eligible and the application meets all requirements

    If the AT is approved CISS will issue the student a new Form DS-2019 with the dates of the approved AT, and an Academic Training Authotization letter.