For Current Students

• Preparing for Campus Break

  Whether staying on campus or traveling, these resources will help you prepare for break. Learn how to secure housing, work on campus or reserve shuttles to nearby cities.

  Living on Campus Over Break

  If you plan to remain on campus during breaks, you must notify Residential Education byregistering for housing in myHOME.

  Using Shuttles Over Break

  Visit the Transportation page to access the University shuttle schedules, including the shuttle to town or to nearby airports, bus stations and train stations.

  Working Over Break

  During University breaks when classes are not in session, both J-1 and F-1 students are eligible to work on campus for 40 hours per week. This is considered full-time employment in the United States.

  Read more about on-campus employment in the "Working on Campus" section below.

   

• Working On Campus

  Working on campus is an opportunity to earn extra money, gain work experience and enrich personal skills. Students in F-1 and J-1 status can work on campus without the authorization of USCIS but are limited to 20 hours a week when classes are in session and 40 hours a week over breaks.

  Finding Work Through Handshake

  Bucknell offers a variety of jobs on campus. To find current openings, visit Handshake, an online resource managed by the Center for Career Advancement.

  Your Social Security Number

  A social security number is given to American citizens at birth and is required by employers, most banks and to obtain a driver's license. You'll need a social security number if you plan to work on campus.

  You will have the opportunity to complete the free application during International Orientation. If you miss this opportunity or decide to get one later, simply go to the nearest Social Security Office.

  To apply, you'll need:

  • Your passport.
  • A printout of your current I-94 record.
  • Form I-20 or DS-2019, which you can fill out in advance.
  • If you are in J-1 or F-1 status, also bring a letter from ISS that authorizes you for on-campus employment at Bucknell University.

  Getting Paid

  Students working on campus are paid through the payroll office. Learn more by visiting the Student Payroll section in myBucknell.

  Filing Taxes

  If you work in the U.S., you will have file a tax return. Bucknell purchases a web program, called Glacier Tax, for non-U.S. members of our community to use when filing taxes.

  Each February, we offer a workshop to explain the tax process and introduce you to this program. Also at the workshop, you'll receive credentials so you can access the application.

  Center for Career Advancement

  The Bucknell Center for Career Advancement assists students and alumni with finding employment, internships and externships. The Center manages Handshake, a portal students use to find on-campus job openings.

   

• Working Off Campus

  Many students obtain internships over the summers and find jobs in the U.S. after graduation. Employment authorization is required before you can work off campus. Working off campus without authorization is a serious legal offense.

  If you engage in unauthorized employment off-campus, your legal status in the U.S. could be terminated, resulting in your losing the ability to study at Bucknell. You would need to leave the U.S.

  In order to apply for one of the following work permits, you will use the ISS applications site.

  F-1 Status: Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

  This is a temporary employment authorization available to F-1 students participating in an internship. This authorization must be used with a credit-bearing course, which typically is the UNIV-1NT course at Bucknell. Your internship must be confirmed as related to your field of study. Work can occur during the academic year (as long as you don't exceed 20 hours total employment) or during the summer. Remember, CPT is only available while you are in school; once you graduate you cannot use CPT. 

  There is no cost to apply and you can start the application at international.bucknell.edu. This application is generally processed within two-three weeks, for free, by ISS.

  F-1 Status: Optional Practical Training (OPT)

  This authorization category must be used for employment related to your major area of study. While this authorization is available to you prior to graduation, we do not recommend using it as first choice. While in school, please review the information on CPT to see if there is a way for your internship to work under the CPT guidelines. 

  There are two types of OPT: part-time and full-time. F-1 students may apply for part-time OPT and work up to 20 hours per week while in class. Students can also apply for full-time OPT and use it during the summer break. Each student has a total of 12 months of OPT available, and Optional Practical Training is the only type of work authorization available to you after graduation. Any time you use while in school will reduce the amount available after you graduate. 

  This authorization application is filed with ISS but goes to USCIS, which requires a fee of $410.To get started with an OPT application, visit international.bucknell.edu.

  F-1 Status: International Organization

  This work authorization is available to F-1 students that have an internship or job offer to work with a select group of international organizations.

  You must apply for this authorization through ISS, where you will receive a new I-20, and you need to have the offer letter when you apply. The current application cost paid to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is $410.

  F-1 Status: Economic Hardship

  F-1 students who have experienced a severe and unforeseeable change in their financial situation after entering the U.S. may apply for an Economic Hardship work authorization. You must be able to demonstrate your hardship, and the recent substantial change, with documentation.

  This means you should be able to provide bank statements and any other materials that illustrate the reasons behind this change (i.e., documentation of a parent's job loss, a death in the family, or severe loss of value of your country's currency).

  This authorization permits off-campus work for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during summer and winter breaks. The work does not have to be related to your major. You must apply through ISS (to receive a new I-20). The cost charged by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is $410.

  J-1 Status: Academic Training (AT)

  As a J-1 student, you may request the Academic Training (AT) authorization from a program sponsor as long as your primary work remains on academic courses. Your sponsor is the organization that issues and signs your DS-2019 and will work with you to provide a detailed employment offer. This letter must include information like work location, hours, pay, supervisor, job title, and description of goals and objectives. 

  If Bucknell issued your DS-2019 and you have been in J-1 status for one academic year (at least 9 months) you may request AT. Your AT period may not exceed 18 months total but can be used either before graduation or after. Talk to ISS before proceeding, or contact your program sponsor.
   

   

   

• International Student Advisory Board (ISAB)

  Composed of a cross-section of the international student population, ISAB gives voice to the international student body at Bucknell.

  Monthly meetings provide an outlet for students to discuss unique needs, concerns and interests regarding campus life. This student-led group takes student feedback and works to improve the international experience at Bucknell. ISAB also works closely with ISS and other university groups as they relate to campus diversity and student life to make sure international student perspectives are integrated.

  
  Students interested in joining or organizations interested in collaborating with ISAB can email isab@bucknell.edu

   

• BRIDGE Host Family Program

  Being far away from home — sometimes for the first time — can be hard on some students. This program matches American host families with international students based on shared interests or demographics and is a great opportunity to meet new people and share culture and community.

  Students and families alike can choose the level of interaction. Though all students live on campus, local host families can invite students over for dinner or to stay over breaks. Often, students and families meet for concerts, festivals, hiking or trips out of town.

  Apply to Be a Host Family

  Complete a host family application by Sept. 10. You can contact iss@bucknell.edu for more information.

  Apply to Be Matched With a Host Family

  Complete a student application by Sept. 10.