We like to believe that we are providing opportunity at American universities. Students are given the chance to learn about their areas of interest and apply what they learn in the classroom to a professional setting through an internship. Experiential learning is becoming more prevalent at universities and colleges across the country.
Picture two students in a classroom that are taking the same classes. Each student has been offered an internship that would allow them to further apply their knowledge outside of the classroom. One student has the opportunity to take the internship and the other has to figure out if federal regulations will allow them to participate. Even though both students have similar qualifications they may not have the same opportunity in their education.
After recent Federal Regulations regarding Curricular Practical Training this scenario has come into play for many international students.
In August of 2026 the Student and Exchange Visitor Program released two Broadcast Messages. These broadcast messages clarified a stricter view of what can be authorized as CPT. The agency stated that practical training must be an integral part of the curriculum that every student in the program takes. Not just something that is academically related to their studies through an elective experience.
Many liberal arts schools pride themselves on having a flexible curriculum.
What happens when flexibility works against you?
Liberal arts allow students to follow what interests them. Whether it is broadening their minds to learn about things outside their comfort zone or learning how to relate multiple subjects. Many times students will find an internship that can help supplement their education and isn’t a requirement to graduate.
Students studying Political Science may find an internship with a non-profit. Economics students may want to learn more about research in the finance industry. A studio art student may find an internship with a company or museum that relates to their area of study. All of these students can gain more from their internship that will better them in their studies. They may not all be taking that specific course but can still benefit from the experience.
But with the agency’s clarification on August the ability for these students to find an academically relevant internship may not meet the standards to be authorized for CPT.
This brings up another issue that can put international students at a disadvantage. Liberal arts colleges offer students more flexibility to find opportunities that may interest them. By allowing students to take more elective courses they are able to learn more about what they enjoy. This could be the reason why a student finds an internship that they enjoy and is able to grow in that area.
This doesn’t mean that every internship a student may find should be authorized. There are laws in place that require schools to follow when authorizing an international student to work. But what if an internship that is not mandatory to complete a program could be just as beneficial to a student’s learning as one that is?
Both students should have the opportunity to learn from an internship experience. But with these changes some may not be allowed to.
What this means for our students
As an International Student Services Director and Principal Designated School Official I know the challenges we face when it comes to offering opportunity and staying compliant. When we received the new guidance from the agency we were faced with many questions. How do we keep our students happy but still follow the rules? Students were already working and knew about these opportunities. As school officials we were being informed of what we were responsible for when it came to authorizing students for CPT.
There were pros and cons to this situation. If we decided to authorize students without looking at the new information we may be violating federal regulations. Or we could stop authorizing students for CPT which would keep our students and us out of trouble.
Either way students will feel the impact of this decision. Maybe they won’t be able to find that internship next semester or may have to wait until a later date to take that opportunity.
This is a big deal for students that want to further their education and find a career after they graduate.
Is this fair?
On October 5, 2026, four organizations filed a lawsuit against the federal government over their new stance on CPT. They believe that the Broadcast Messages go against previous practices and were not properly issued. We will see what happens when this case goes to court.
Either way, I think this raises an important question. What do we consider when looking at equity in education? Do we only look at who is getting admitted to a university and offered financial aid? Shouldn’t we also look at who can participate in what we teach our students to learn?
International students come to America to get a quality education. Just like domestic students, they should be able to take advantage of everything we have to offer.
I’m not saying that every student should have the same privileges when it comes to immigration status. But we should be looking at what our students can and cannot do when they attend our institution.
What universities can do
Universities can’t change federal law. But they can start looking at our curriculum and see where this affects our students. Departments should be working with International Student Services to determine where CPT can be used in their programs. Career centers should become aware that there is an immigration factor when looking for internships for their students.
School officials should be provided with proper information and legal guidance. As well as allow students to know why there may be limitations on their opportunities.
These are all steps that colleges can take that won’t break any laws. But they can open up more doors for students to take advantage of.
There will always be a difference between students that are citizens and international students. But we shouldn’t look past the fact that some may not have the same opportunities while at our institutions.
Opportunity should be about more than just who can get into your university.
Dr. Bonike Odegbami is Director of International Student Services and Principal Designated School Official at Hamilton College. The views expressed are her own.
