The RPI Experience for International Students

Students fulfill the Discovery Semester (ILEA 4400) through one of the following experiential learning options (each requiring a minimum of 260 hours per term, unless otherwise noted):

• Civic Engagement
• Co-op 
• Internship
• Research
• Self-Design
• Study Abroad

Visit the CCPD website for details about each option.

For a visual overview of the process, click here.

• Step 1: Student Action – Choose Discovery Semester in SIS
  • When you decide to do your Discovery Semester, report this in SIS: Student Menu > choose Discovery Semester
• Step 2: Student Action – Secure Plan
  • Visit this page from The RPI Experience website for details about each option.
• Step 3: Student Action – Handshake
  • Submit your plan to CCPD using the Handshake Template for your designation and upload offer letter (if applicable) and resume
• Step 4: CCPD Approval
  • Plan is reviewed by CCPD Experiential Learning team and student is notified if approved.
  • No student action needed unless emailed.
• Step 5: Student Action – Registration
  • Self-register for ILEA 4400 in the appropriate design section.
    • The CRN code is provided by CCPD after they approve your experience.
  • You must register by the Add deadline of your away term.
• Step 6: Student Action – Get Immigration Approval
  • Submit Discovery Semester Reporting: Request for ISSS Approval in Via International (VI) for ISSS review and approval.
    • If CPT work authorization is needed, it will be issued here.
• Step 7: Student Action – LMS Course
  • While you are away, an LMS course is attached to each designation.
  • Mandatory assignments must be completed to receive a satisfactory grade for ILEA 4400.
  • Failure to complete all assignments results in an unsatisfactory grade.

NOTE: Changes to a previously approved experience require new approval.

These steps are used when a student was already approved by ISSS and wants to change or modify their previously approved experience.

• Step 1: Student Action – Contact CCPD for Approval of Changed Experience
  • Email them at co-op@rpi.edu and include the following information:
    • Name
    • RIN
    • You are requesting to get approval for changed Discovery Semester experience they previously approved
      What experience you want to be doing now (click here to see the options)
    • Documentation (offer letter) or any other paperwork tied to the experience that you want to do.
• Step 2: CCPD Approval
  • Plan is reviewed by CCPD Experiential Learning team and student is notified if approved.
  • No student action needed unless emailed.
• Step 3: Student Action – Get Immigration Approval
  • Submit Discovery Semester Reporting: Change to Approved Experience in Via International (VI) for ISSS review and approval.
    • If CPT work authorization is needed, it will be issued here.

RPI has introduced a new name for the program formerly known as The Arch. Learn more here.

An Arch Institute Policy was signed on September 23, 2019, for all Semester Away experiences to be considered the equivalent of full-time.

The policy is available here.

All Semester Away experiences are considered full-time. This allows ISSS to:

• Register you in SEVIS as maintaining F-1 status during your Semester Away.
• Let you take your annual summer vacation (instead of during the Semester Away).