International Students

Studying as an international student at SCU

“In many ways, human health is the great global connector.” Kathleen Sebelius, former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. The world is smaller today. People regularly go beyond borders to expand opportunities. SCU’s passion for preparing future healthcare providers to thrive in a connected, interprofessional, and global society inspires us to offer a variety of international and cross-cultural experiences.

Connect with American culture at a university where education is fueled by forward-thinking modern Western practices, yet rooted and grounded in ancient Eastern techniques. At SCU, we respect and celebrate the cultural diversity of our students and we are excited to welcome you! Our education programs are built around collaboration.

SCU, an American University located in Southern California, has welcomed healthcare students from over 30 countries around the world, including Armenia, Belgium, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt, Great Britain, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Iraq, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Lebanon, Mexico, Malaysia, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, Sweden, Slovakia, Thailand, Tonga, Turkey, Taiwan, Venezuela, and Viet Nam.

On-Campus Student Employment

SCU offers part-time on-campus employment opportunities for students, based on position availability and skill requirements. You earn a paycheck as you work, which helps cover expenses and reduce your total borrowing.  SCU’s Designated School Officials (DSO) in the Student Services Office can provide details on work-study opportunities.

Working in the U.S. after Graduation

Blyss, Doctor of Chiropractic student, Montreal, Canada

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit for students on F-1 visas. It allows students to work off-campus in a job directly related to their major field of study. The purpose of OPT is for students to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to practical work experience in the U.S.

Graduate students are permitted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work for one year on a student visa towards getting practical training to complement their education.

SCU students are only eligible for Post-Completion OPT after they have completed their degree. The employment available to them while pursuing their degree is on-campus employment and does not require OPT approval. Any off-campus clinical experience is considered coursework and does not require work authorization.

Completion of studies is defined as the actual date that you complete all requirements for a program of study (such as the date of your final exams, or submission of your thesis or dissertation). It is not automatically considered to be the date of graduation ceremonies.

SCU campus Designated School Officials (DSO) assists students with OPT by reviewing the application process and providing the required work authorization recommendation on their I-20s. The OPT application is processed by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Processing time can take up to 5 months, so it is important to apply early. USCIS allows students to apply for OPT up to 90 days before program completion. Students may apply for OPT before receiving a job offer.