UNL Senior Uses CPT to Make California Connections

Almamari and members working on Landscape Architecture Project
Almamari and members working on Landscape Architecture Project

Wijdan Almamari, a senior landscape architecture major at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, spent her summer on the California coastline - South Lake Tahoe, to be exact — where she took on an internship for a summer project that related to her major.

The summer project included collaborating with team members across eight offices to propose a design for Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park in South Los Angeles.

Almamari, originally from Oman and currently an international student at UNL, used her Curricular Practical Training (CPT), to apply to work off-campus, saying the process “was easier than expected.”

“It took minutes for me to fill out all of the forms before I sent them to my advisor and job mentors to sign,” Almamari said.

One of her favorite memories are the connections she made, and feeling “at home” away from home.

“I made unforgettable memories, one of which was my first time in Nevada Beach,” the senior said. “I was homesick at the time, but it felt like I was standing right in front of the ocean by my own house.”

Almamari, currently an International Event Coordinator with ISSO, has advice for other international students who wish to expand their experience in the U.S.

“Don’t miss the chance to explore your options in the U.S. to gain experience and to understand future opportunities,” the senior said.

To be eligible for CPT, students must be enrolled in F-1 immigration status, as well as have been full-time enrolled for at least one academic year and have coursework left to complete.

Head to ISSO’s website to see the full application process or contact the office for more questions.