Employment:
Working as a non-U.S. citizen
Employment is defined as any type of work performed or service provided in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food or any other benefit. If a student does not receive any pay or other benefit for work performed, this activity is defined not as "employment" but as "volunteer" work.
Do not assume that you are automatically eligible to work in the U.S. Unauthorized employment is considered one of the most serious violations of your F-1 or J-1 status. Please contact the international student adviser should you have any questions.