Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization.

If you would like to teach for DLLC for one semester or one year following your graduation, your request must first be routed to the DLLC Director of Graduate Studies, who will consult with the sequence supervisor and/or TA observer in your language and obtain a ranked list of candidates, which is submitted to the Department Chair. If students would like to pursue an OPT someplace other than UD DLLC, they will need to apply via OISS, who will solicit a signed recommendation form from their advisor.

Usually, DLLC can provide hours for 1-3 candidates each year. The Department strives to offer 12 hours/semester, but that may not always be possible.

OPT in DLLC is typically reserved for MA students in Spanish, and only occasionally in French.

Only the most outstanding TAs (as evidenced by their performance as classroom instructors) may participate in the program. The decision will be based on input from the respective language coordinators and classroom observers.

• Students receive email from GSC Chair/or Language Chairs inquiring about interest in OPT in DLLC (by 15 September)
• Graduate students express their interest in OPT, specifying when they would like to start the OPT in DLLC and for how long (by 1 October)
• GSC Chair will inform the students of the decision (1 November)
  

• Being selected for OPT does not automatically mean that the students will be able to teach at DLLC. This will depend on departmental needs.
•  Students who have been selected for OPT in DLLC should be aware that the department cannot determine need until early in spring and fall semesters.
• Applicants wishing to teach in the DLLC should be aware that the Department will not be able to provide a set schedule until just prior to the start of fall and spring semesters, and that teaching hours will vary depending on enrollments and budget considerations.
•  Applicants should also be aware that, independently of their type of application to OPT (to work at DLLC or elsewhere), they need to apply to OPT with OISS. Please see UD OISS website for information about how to apply.