在美國留學時，學生會有實習的機會，就是我們平時說的CPT（Curricular Practical training) 和OPT(Optional Practical Traning)，到底這兩種實習有什么區(qū)別，又有什么聯(lián)系，我們可以從Standford University的Bachetel International Center上找到。
    CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING VS OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING
     
    

CPT requires a job offer	VS	OPT does not require a job offer
CPT requires enrollment in a special class in which on-the-job training is required and for which course credit is received during the quarter the employment takes place	VS	OPT does not require you to enroll in any class
CPT issued for summer employment would require the student to pay summer fees for 3 unit minimum enrollment = $,$$$	VS	OPT does not require the student to pay $ for class registration, but would require $340 USCIS processing fee
CPT is authorized for a specific employer for work related to student’s field of studies	VS	OPT allows work w/ ANY employer based on student’s field of studies
CPT is issued by the I-Center within 5-10 working days	VS	OPT is issued by the USCIS within 90 days (after preliminary processing by I-Center)
CPT work permit is granted on the I-20 (page 3)	VS	OPT work permit is called the EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
CPT may only be issued for work prior to graduation, and prior to completion of course units required for degree	VS	OPT allows for employment both prior to and after graduation
CPT usually does not affect OPT as long as the CPT issued does not reach 12 full- time months. Part-time (20 hours. or less) CPT is never accumulated or deducted from OPT. (NOTE: if you work 6 months of full-time CPT you will not affect the 12 months of OPT)	VS	OPT issued part-time (20 hours or less) is deducted at half-time rate, but full-time  OPT (over 20 hours a week) is deducted at full-time rate from the 12 months of OPT. (NOTE: if you received 6 full-time months of OPT prior to graduating, you will have 6 months left upon graduation.)

     
    Both CPT and OPT require that the proposed employment be related to the student’s field of study.
    Both CPT and OPT do not allow the student to begin employment prior to completing the first academic year (unless required of the degree, and based on CPT).
    Both CPT and OPT require the student to have received the authorization to work prior to beginning employment.
    NOTE: In cases where the student may have accrued at least 9 months in F-1 status, then the USCIS will allow for an application pre-completion OPT to be submitted as early as 120 days before the start date of employment. Students applying for CPT must keep in mind two restrictions concerning processing of CPT: 1] Paperwork must be submitted by deadline indicated on CPT info sheet (see web site below) 2] Paperwork must be submitted for consideration NO LATER than 5 working days prior to requested start date.