How well do you know the difference between CPT and OPT? More known as Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training.

Hospitality Academy’s students come from all over the world with an aim to level up their careers abroad. One of the biggest obstacles for young professionals wanting to study in the United States is funding. Therefore, being able to work at the same time as your studies is a great bonus! At Hospitality Academy, students earn an accredited American degree. Additionally, they have the ability to work at the most luxurious hotels or restaurants. But what are the work options available for international students? 

Read on to learn about the differences between CPT and OPT. This will help you can decide which work opportunity is right for you! 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT):  

CPT is a program that allows international students with an F-1 Visa to gain practical experience. The work experience must be directly related to their major area of study. This program enables students to work simultaneously with their studies! 

Requirements for CPT: 

1. Students must be enrolled in a university that is authorized to offer a CPT program. There are very few universities that offer this in the USA and many universities only offer from the second semester. At Hospitality Academy, we offer students to participate in a CPT experience from the first day of their studies!
2. CPT must be part of an established curriculum
3. CPT must be completed before graduating
4. CPT can be part-time (20< hours) or full-time (20> hours). Although, if you work full-time for 12 months during your CPT, you will lose your eligibility for OPT

Optional Practical Training (OPT): 

OPT temporarily allows international students with an F-1 visa in the USA to work for 12 months. The work is required to be completed as part of their studies. 

1. The OPT work experience must be directly related to your studies. 
2. OPT can be completed both before or after the completion of your studies. However, it can only be started after the first academic year. 

Important to remember: students are only allowed to work 12 months total for OPT!

At Hospitality Academy, our students normally take a post-completion OPT. This allows them to extend their stay in the USA for an entire year upon graduation. Once OPT is completed, students are able to apply for an H-1B work visa with a sponsor.

Differences between CPT and OPT: 

Indeed, both CPT and OPT enable international students to work in the USA. However, there are major differences between the two. 

1. The major difference is the time period you're eligible for these programs and type of work allowed.
2. OPT can be completed before or after graduation, while CPT must be completed before graduation
3. CPT employment is part of your curriculum allowing students to complete an internship, practicum, or cooperative (co-op) education program 
4. CPT must be required by your major and if it is not, you must receive course credit. You do not need to earn course credit for OPT
5. Only certain employers and schools participate in CPT
6. OPT is not employer-specific and allows work, not an internship

At Hospitality Academy, we have programs that allow students to participate in both CPT and OPT. This gives our students the possibility of gaining up to 3 years of paid work experience in the USA. Our partnership with luxury hotels and Michelin-star restaurants across the country provides students with the best opportunities! Through our recruiter links around the world, we help you find the right job! 

Your Passport to the World of Hospitality!

Learn more about how Hospitality Academy can help you develop and enhance your hospitality career. You can email us at admissions@pihospitalityacademy.com, alternatively, you can check our top programs here! 

Chasing your dream career in the USA may seem impossible but Hospitality Academy is here to help. Through our partnership with luxury hotels and Michelin-star restaurants worldwide, we match students with the ideal work opportunity. Live out your American Dream at one of our USA campuses and gain experience in your desired industry. 

Learn more about how Hospitality Academy can help you develop and enhance your hospitality career. You can email us at admissions@pihospitalityacademy.com, alternatively, you can check our top programs here!

Ready to embark on the hospitality industry in the USA or SPAIN? 

APPLY TO OUR PROGRAMS!