Intensive English Program (IEP)

Academic English for university entrance, career development and enhancementcultural immersion, and a community ESL program all taught by expert Instructors on Kennesaw State University’s campus.

Employment and Volunteering

Employment for F-1 & Other IEP Students at KSU

As an F-1 student, please keep in mind the following:

  • You can only work on campus.
  • All on-campus employment must be authorized through the IEP Office, and I-20 authorization is required by KSU’s Human Resources office.
  • You cannot work more than 20 hours in one week during the session. Jobs that are less than 20 hours are considered part-time jobs.
  • You can work more than 20 hours a week during vacation periods when IEP classes are not in session.
  • Please visit the IEP Office to learn about ways to locate campus jobs. Keep in mind:
    • Students are responsible for searching and applying for jobs.
  • Never accept or work off-campus. This will violate the rules of your F-1 status in the Intensive English Program.

Any student (part-time or full-time) is welcome to apply for staff positions through KSU Human Resources job listings . Please note that IEP students are not eligible for any jobs listed under the Student Assistant category.

Volunteering

Kennesaw State University offers students access to a network of volunteer organizations. We encourage students to participate in these volunteer projects to practice English while helping the community.

Please see the Student Volunteerism and Service website for more information. You will be asked to create a profile before you can register to volunteer.

Benefits of volunteering include:

  • Practicing spoken English.
  • Learning more about American culture and the local community.
  • Helping make a difference in the life of someone or something.
  • Examples of volunteer activities:
    • Walking dogs at an animal shelter.
    • Playing games with children at a local school.
    • Planting flowers in a community garden.

Résumé and Cover Letters

To apply for a job in the U.S., you typically need to submit a résumé and cover letter. If you need assistance writing a résumé or cover letter for a job opportunity, please visit the IEP Office and one of our staff members can assist you. Employees of the IEP Office will not write your résumé or cover letter for you, but they will provide you with resources and feedback.

Students can also schedule an appointment or walk in to visit the KSU Writing Center. The Writing Center is located in the English Building, Room 219. For more information, visit the KSU Writing Center website .

Social Security Information

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit identification number assigned by the U.S. government that is used for tax reporting purposes. It is not employment authorization. F-1 students are eligible for an SSN if they receive an actual job offer.

Non-U.S. citizens are legally required to provide a U.S. SSN:

  • For wage and tax reporting purposes.
  • For tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

If you wish to work in the U.S. and need help obtaining an SSN, please contact the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO).

Bank Accounts

Even if you do not get a job while studying in the Intensive English Program, it is recommended that you open a checking and/or savings account with a U.S. bank for easy access to your funds. There are many banks around Kennesaw and the Metro Atlanta area, including:

When you open an account, you will need to bring your passport and visa. If you have another form of photo ID, bring that as well.

It is important that you know your U.S. address. Make sure to give the bank an address where you can receive your mail, since they will likely send your debit card to this address.

A debit card is connected to your checking account and is used almost like a regular credit card (such as Mastercard or Visa) except the charges are deducted directly from your checking account. Unlike a credit card, you will not get a separate bill at the end of the month. Keep track of your spending, because the bank may charge you a fee every time you overdraw your account. Debit cards can also be used at an ATM to withdraw money from your account.

When you open a checking account, make sure that you have enough money available to open one. In many cases, checking accounts can be opened with as little as $25.

Have questions? Please fill out the form on our Contact Page.