Welcome to the Global Career Center (GCC) dedicated Keystone Sports web page. GCC’s Internship Placement and Employability Services for International Students program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain real-world work experience aligned with their field of study.
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On this page, you will find information about OPT/CPT internship options in the United States, the application process, and current program locations available for international student-athletes.
OPT/CPT Program Locations and Study Fields
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The Global Career Center (GCC) can place international students in a wide range of industries through a personalized placement process. Placements are tailored to each student’s skills, academic level, and area of interest.
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Program Locations in the United States: East Coast: Boston, New York City, Philadelphia; West Coast: Los Angeles, San Francisco; Other U.S. Cities: Metropolitan Detroit, Atlanta, Phoenix
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Fields of Study Include but are not limited to:
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Business & Finance: International Business, Accounting, Finance
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Communications & Media: Marketing, Advertising, Digital Media, Journalism
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Technology: Computer Science, Hardware, Software, Data Analytics, AI, IoT
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Engineering: IT, IS, Civil, Industrial, Chemical, Environmental, Biomedical, Electrical, Mechatronics
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Life Sciences: Research, Biotechnology, Healthcare
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Humanities & Public Affairs: NGOs, NPOs, Think Tanks, Political Science, Economics
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Internship Program Process
​​All programs are completed onsite in the United States, with hybrid options available depending on the host organization and university requirements. The GCC placement process is highly personalized. Employer outreach is based on your background and interests; placements are not pre-sourced.
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Once you meet the acceptance criteria, you will apply to the OPT/CPT programs through Global Career Center (GCC). You will then be introduced to the GCC team to begin the OPT/CPT placement process.
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First, you will complete an online questionnaire and schedule a pre-placement meeting. This helps the GCC team learn more about your academic background, career goals, and internship preferences. You will also confirm your internship priorities, submit a revised resume or CV, and review any required visa paperwork.
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Next is the matching phase. GCC will identify host organizations interested in you and you will schedule an interview. w. GCC will guide you through this process with interview prep as needed, provide feedback on interviews, and help you evaluate opportunities to find the best fit.
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Once your internship is confirmed, GCC will help you complete the remaining steps. You will finish confirmation paperwork, review pre-arrival materials, and attend Office Hours or an Internship Preparation Workshop. You will also submit any outstanding visa documents. These steps ensure you are fully prepared to start your internship.
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During your internship, GCC provides ongoing guidance and resources, including office hours, professional development workshops, and social-cultural events.
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Internship Program Costs
​The program fee includes all GCC placement services pre, during, and post internship; professional development workshops; social/cultural events; Visa support (if needed); housing recommendations; and onsite assistance when needed.
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US CPT Internship Program
Program Fee $1,750 USD
US OPT Internship
Program fee $1,950 USD.
Program Deposit and Refund
A $500 deposit is required if a student moves forward after the pre-placement meeting and that fee will count towards the total cost of the program. ​ If a student withdraws from the GCC placement process more than one week (7 calendar days) after the pre-placement meeting, they will be refunded $250 USD from the initial program deposit. If a student withdraws after acceptance or after the internship has started, no refund is available. Housing is not included in the program fee; however, GCC offers housing in the primary locations listed in this document and can provide a pricing schedule as needed. Housing as a separate deposit fee based on the cost at the time of the internship.
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The program fee does not include transportation to and from the city, transportation in the city, meals, and personal expenses.
Interested student should plan to budget for unpaid placements. Likelihood of compensation varies with local governments, industry norms, company policy and student experience.
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Internship Program Dates
The main internship period takes place over the summer, from June 1 to August 1, but dates can be flexible to fit students’ schedules. Additional opportunities may also be available throughout the year on a case-by-case basis. Example dates for a typical 8-week summer internship are as follows;
Application Deadline: February 1 (*earlier is always better)
Pre-placement Meetings: February
Sourcing and Matching: March thru May
Accept and Finalize paperwork: May
Start Internship: June
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Students have the option to participate in both CPT and OPT Internship Programs. For those currently enrolled at a U.S. university, the recommended starting point is the CPT Internship Program with Employability Services. Recent graduates are encouraged to begin with the OPT Internship Program. In many cases, students can take part in both programs at different times during their academic career.
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The Internship Placement and Employability Services for International Students program provides valuable professional experience while supporting your academic and athletic development. Because student-athletes have limited availability during the academic and athletic year, OPT/CPT placements and schedules are tailored to fit each individual’s needs.​​
Resources and Contact
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Student To Do List
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Contact your Keystone Sports Sports Consultant or Recruitment Advisor and let them know you are interested.
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Meet with your University Advisor to understand the necessary steps needed for the internship, CPT, or OPT process. (*Note: each university interprets the regulations differently. Neither Keystone Sports or GCC can answer questions about your university's process)
Global Career Center
Email GCC; chris@globalcareercenter.org
To schedule a preplacement meeting with Global Career Center have #1 and #2 from your to-do list completed.​​
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Keystone Sports
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