As an international student, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is usually the first step of many goals after graduation. It can be scary, as this closes the end of the academic chapter, but is equally as exciting, as students envelop themselves in real-world experience and enhance their professional goals and expertise they obtained in the classroom
Susanna Aung, who graduated from UNL in May 2024 with a bachelor’s of music in violin performance concentration, used her OPT to work at a summer camp in Sweden, Maine, where she was a bunk counselor and a violin faculty member.
Born in Thailand, Aung worked at UNL as an International Event Coordinator with ISSO, where she assisted international students and helped with the many events ISSO offers as well as their advising — including on matters concerning OPT.
“The application process was quite simple,” Aung said. “The ISSO at UNL did a very good job of ensuring that every student applying for OPT knows and understands all the processes before they begin applying.”
Aung also spoke on the challenges waiting for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
“The challenging part for me is the waiting process because it is very unpredictable and you start to become unsure,” Aung said.
While waiting on OPT can be tedious, once the EAD is received, students can begin their next phase of work anywhere in the U.S. — and for Aung, that was a camp in Maine.
“I really loved working at camp!” exclaimed Aung. “I got to meet new and awesome people and created lifelong friendships, while also exploring new activities I’ve never done before.”
As for what the music grad decides to do next, Aung said she’s ready to continue her education — where she’ll be pursuing her master’s at Penn State.
When researching where she wanted to continue her education, Aung explained how her process went.
“I basically just googled ‘music schools' in the U.S., specifically for the East Coast area because that is the place I really want to move to, and I just looked up each school’s website and violin professors,” Aung said. “I then started contacting professors from the schools I searched and asked for a trial lesson to see if we are compatible, and also searched for an assistantship position if they had one…”
Advice that Aung would give international students who are graduating next year would be to make connections.
“Connection is very important,” Aung said. “It is important to know people in your field that will help you grow further in your career path. And by that, these relationships need to be genuine and sincere, not just being nice for something in return. Being kind to others will grant you more than you think.”
And for first-year students…
“Use as many resources as you can! One of the things that I really appreciated about UNL is how supportive they are for the students to achieve their goals,” Aung said. “The writing center is also one great resource to check it out! Also make as many friends and social connections as you can, because that will really help you in the future!
International students have up to 12 months of OPT commensurate with their degree level. Those who qualify should apply early — with or without a job offer and must apply no later than 60 days from their program completion date. Students can always contact ISSO if they have any questions.