J-1 UDS Internship Program
Gain hands-on experience
Oklahoma State University offers a unique internship to international students pursuing a career in food service and management, hospitality, or tourism. Students at partnering universities and programs have the opportunity to travel to the United States for an immersive, hands-on experience.
All interns will be offered an official, internationally recognized ServSafe course and Certification of Completion as part of the program. Interns will also gain international experience working with students from different countries, supervisors, managers, and chefs.
Program Durations
Fall
August to December
Spring
January to May
What is required?
- Being contacted by a participating school
- Attend the information session
- Attend the online interview
- Receive and send back digital documentation including:
- Kardex
- Passport
- Home institutional letter
- Receive physical paperwork
- International Health Insurance coverage
- Approved J1 visa
What do we expect?
- Enjoy the experience
- Build good relationships with your managers and supervisors
- Represent your schools and country
- Professional behavior
- Attend meetings and work schedules on time.
- Adaptability to different culture
What do we offer?
- FREE meal credit IN ADDITION to your wage
- Reduced cost campus housing with cable and Wi-Fi and access to all their programs
- FREE membership to a world-class gym facility
- FREE public transit pass
- Opportunity to attend sporting and other campus events
Get to know Oklahoma
Spring in Oklahoma can be very wet with high humidity. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30's F to highs in the upper 80's F (4° - 31° C). The Summer months are very warm with the hottest month being July. The temperature can peek to over 100° F (37° C), but the average temperature range is generally from 64° to 94°F (18° - 34° C). In Oklahoma, it begins to cool down in the Fall. Temperatures are usually cooler during this time and in the range of 40° to 73° F (4° - 23° C). Oklahoma's wind chill temperatures during the Winter can be frigid as the winds sweep across the flat plains. Temperatures during the Winter can range from 30° to 60° F (-1° to 16° C), with an occasional windchill below zero. Below are some suggested packing tips for each season throughout the year.
Spring (March - June) Raincoat, windbreaker, waterproof shoes, umbrella
Summer (July - September) Shorts & T-shirts, cotton shirts, long pants (trousers), sunscreen
Fall (October - November) Short-sleeved shirts, pants (trousers), flannel shirts, sweaters
Winter (December - February) Warm coat/jacket, warm boots/shoes, wool socks, hat, scarf, and gloves
Experience Stillwater
America's Friendliest College Town
Stillwater, Oklahoma has a lot to offer! Stillwater offers a unique combincation of activities, restaurants, shopping and celebrations!
Family Resource Center
Join their programs, such as craft classes, TOEFL preparations, cooking demos, all information about it is in their adult programs. FRC also provides a free shopping shuttle to supermarkets.
Public Transportation
Stillwater is mainly a campus town, which means that the transportation runs under the Rules and Regulations of the OSU Department of Parking and Transportation Services. Transportation Services offers the BOB, which is a shuttle service that runs between OSU Stillwater and OSU Tulsa nine times a day. They also offer bike rentals as an option for off-hours transportation.
To get around Stillwater, you could also use the two main private transportation platforms: Uber and Lyft. However, they might not be available 24/7 so if you need a late-night ride, you should reserve it in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does University Dining Services will pick me up from the airport?
We will be more than happy to pick you up if your flight lands at the Stillwater, OK airport. However, if you are flying into Oklahoma City or Tulsa, you must find your own transportation from the airport to OSU. Uber is a popular option to get to OSU from OKC or Tulsa. You may also come with another intern and share an uber to reduce the cost.
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When will I receive my first payment?
You will get paid on a biweekly payroll system. Depending on your start date, it usually takes a month to receive your first paycheck. If you start at the beginning of a pay period, you will need to work two weeks, and then it will take another two weeks for your paycheck to be processed before it is available in your bank account. After that, you will receive a paycheck every other week.
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How much money should I bring?
It will depend on how prepared you are when you arrive at OSU. You will need to take a COVID test once you arrive at OSU, which will cost you $25 USD. You will also need a minimum deposit of $50 USD to open a bank account.
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Where am I going to live?
University Dining Services will provide you with a two-bedroom apartment to share with another J1 intern. These apartments are semi-furnished. They contain two beds, couch, table, 4 chairs, refrigerator, microwave, stove, and a television.
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What items should I bring with me?
- You are expected to wear non-slip shoes and black pants or jeans while at work.
- It is highly recommended to bring necessities, such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lotion, bath curtain, etc.
- While you are provided a bed, it does not come with bedding or pillows. It is also recommended to come with bedsheets and a pillow for a full-size mattress.
- Please check out the clothing recommendations so you can dress appropriately depending on what time of the year you are here.
- Apartments also do not come with any cooking utensils. The FRC has an agreement that for $5 USD, they will allow you to choose from their utensils bank. If you give them back the utensils at the end of your internship, they will give you the money back.
Contact Us
Learn more about the J1 program and explore your potential with Oklahoma State University!