By going to SBCC, you open up many new opportunities for your future. No matter if you want to transfer to a four-year university, or you just want to gain work experience in the USA, there is something for you. I will bring up different transfer programs at SBCC, and different types of employment opportunities that are available for F-1 visa students in the USA.

Transfer Center

SBCC’s Transfer Center exists to assist and guide you through your transfer process to a four-year university. Join programs such as the University Transfer Academy and the Transfer Achievement Program (TAP) to get support during your transfer process. The University Transfer Academy provides services for students to empower, inform, and educate students who want to transfer. The mission of TAP is to assist and facilitate a smooth transition for underrepresented students who want to transfer. 

SBCC has a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program, which is an agreement between you, SBCC, and a four-year college or university. As long as you meet and maintain stated admission and major requirements, you are guaranteed admission to a specific four-year institution.

Read more about the Transfer Center’s resources here: https://www.sbcc.edu/transfercenter/

SBCC’s international student Martin from Chile speaks about the resources the Transfer Center provides:

Employment for International Students in the U.S.

There are some opportunities for F-1 visa students who are interested in gaining work experience in the USA, and as an F-1 visa student, there are many regulations when it comes to employment. Before engaging in any type of employment, international students must get approval from an International Student Advisor. The types of employment F-1 visa students may be eligible for are on-campus employment, unpaid community service and volunteer work, curricular practical training (CPT), and optional practical training (OPT).

On-Campus Employment

You can work up to 19.5 hours per week on campus as an F-1 visa student after completing your first semester, as long as you meet some eligibility criteria. Some jobs you can find on campus are as tutors, food service workers, cashiers, but you can also find jobs for the security department, the international office, and the study abroad office.

SBCC’s international student Mirjam from Germany speaks about how to get a job on campus as an F-1 visa student:

Community Service & Volunteering

As an international student, you are permitted to engage in community service for non-profit entities. If you are interested in volunteering with a for-profit entity, it must be authorized by your International Student Advisor.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

F-1 visa students who meet the eligibility requirements can participate in up to 20 hours per week of CPT to pursue internship and work/study opportunities related to the major of study. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

F-1 visa students who complete an Associate Degree are eligible to work for up to one year after graduating from SBCC, and the employment must be related to your major of study. If you are interested in this opportunity, it is recommended to apply early during your last semester since it can take up to 100 days to get your work permit.

Get help from SBCC’s Career Center when you are looking for your next employment opportunity here: https://www.sbcc.edu/careercenter/

Read more about employment opportunities at SBCC and the eligibility requirements here: https://www.sbcc.edu/international/current/employment.php