International Students Community
Welcome to the International students community at the University of Montana! This virtual online community is a dedicated space for students to connect, peruse resources, and find valuable information to help in any stage of your career journey. We recognize the unique experiences and strengths of international students and are here to support your growth, exploration, and success. As an international student at UM, you bring valuable skills and experiences to both your academic studies, your career journey, and the UM campus. Your global lens is an asset!
Important: The information below is focused on assisting all international students with their career development in the U.S. and beyond. Whether you have F-1, J-1 or another visa status, you are strongly encouraged to visit the International Students and Scholars (ISS) Office before seeking any form of employment (paid or unpaid) and to remain aware of any applicable restrictions, requirements and deadlines. Regulations change frequently and ISS is the best source for up-to-date information on getting hired.
Never accept or engage in paid or unpaid off-campus employment, internships, fellowships or other training without talking to the University of Montana International Students and Scholars (ISS) Office first.
Learn more about Experiential Learning and Career Success and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Did You Know?
You can connect with someone who will help you access career coaching and resources designed to support international students as you explore career options, prepare application materials, and navigate professional opportunities.
What You’ll Find Here
Explore Opportunities
- Programs, services, and articles that focus on international student experiences.
- Opportunities that align with your goals, values, and interests and are accessible to all students, with clear information on eligibility requirements.
Connect & Get Involved
- Student organizations and campus partners that provide connection, advocacy, and community for international students.
Get Career-Ready
- Personalized career coaching.
- Résumé and interview guidance.
- LinkedIn profile support and Handshake assistance.
Be Informed
- Information and events tailored to support your academic, cultural, and professional journey at UM.
- Resources to help you navigate immigration, work authorization, and career pathways.
All Grizzlies are welcome to explore from every community and resource we offer.
Start Here: Key Steps and Support
Search for Jobs and Internships
Use Handshake to Search for CPT/OPT-Friendly Employers
- Visit Handshake and use the filters:
- “Will sponsor or doesn’t require U.S. work visa”
- “Accepts OPT/CPT”
These filters help you quickly find jobs that may be open to international students. Employers are asked these questions when submitting job postings, so it removes some of the guesswork
Find an On-Campus Job
- Browse On-Campus Jobs for opportunities that allow you to work while attending UM. These roles often do not require CPT or OPT authorization.:
Build Skills and Confidence
- Explore Forage to complete free, short-term projects from global companies.
- Tips for International Students Using Forage:
- Add program completions to your LinkedIn and resume
- Talk about your experience in interviews to show global perspective
- Focus on companies with international reach (like Deloitte, GE, Citi, JPMorgan)
- Use the platform to improve professional English and decision-making
Consider a Micro-Internship
Learn About Micro-Internships for short-term, paid projects that help you gain U.S.-based experience and build your resume.
Get Support and Practice
Identify and Work with a Mentor
- Find Mentorship Resources to connect with someone who can support your journey as an international student. (Resource in development)
Build Your Resume
- Resume Tips and Templates
- Resumes in the U.S. are typically one page and focused on skills and accomplishments. Most employers prefer a resume over a CV.
Prepare for Interviews
Visit Ace the Interview | Use Big Interview
- For ESL learners: Big Interview ESL Playlist offers tailored preparation tools
Gain U.S. Work Experience
Plan to Do an Internship
- Internships help you gain real-world experience, build skills, and grow your network.
- Explore Internship Resources
Work Authorization Options
- Learn about CPT, OPT, and other pathways to work legally in the U.S. (Page coming soon)
Volunteer to Build Experience
- Volunteer through VolunteerUM to connect with local organizations and communities while gaining skills and expanding your network.
But wait! This isn’t me!”
These communities are one way to organize resources and opportunities based on common student experiences. All Grizzlies are encouraged to explore every page and resource. Our career coaches are here to support every student.
Don’t see a community that reflects your experience, interests, or goals?
We welcome your feedback. Reach out to one of our career coaches — we’re here to help you find what you need:
UM Student Organizations & Campus Resources
Explore on-campus programs and organizations that support all students through peer connection, advocacy, academic services, and inclusive environments. These University of Montana resources promote accessibility and help students thrive academically and socially, offering mentorship, accommodations, leadership opportunities, and academic support to ensure full participation in campus life.
Want to dive deeper into UM’s student communities? Here’s where to go next—GrizHub, ASUM, WelcomeFeast, or your department.
Explore Student Life & Clubs
Organizations & Resources
The organizations listed are not affiliated with the University of Montana and are provided for informational purposes only.
Local & State
National
Alliance Française Offers French language instruction and cultural events open to students and community members.
This list of organizations includes a range of smaller nonprofits focused on cultural exchange, refugee and immigrant support, and international development (e.g., Freeflow Foundation, Indigenous People Foundation).
Arts Missoula Supports multicultural programming and connects diverse communities, including Latine residents, through the Missoula International Festival and other events.
MIFP matches international students with local Community Friends to promote cross-cultural exchange and social support.
Soft Landing offers long‑welcome support for refugee & immigrant families; volunteer site. Long‑term support, youth programs, and entrepreneur spotlights for refugee & immigrant families.
The World Affairs Council organizes speaker series, global education programs, and student engagement initiatives across the state.
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State-supported network that offers guidance on studying in the U.S., student visas, and scholarships.
IIE supports academic mobility and manages programs like Fulbright, as well as emergency assistance and international student research.
ISSA supports international high school and college students with resources for adjustment, integration, and educational success.
Have suggestions to improve this space?
This space has been collaboratively developed with our UM partners and continues to evolve.
We truly appreciate your input and encourage you to share your ideas to help us enrich it.
