Getting an internship as a foreign exchange student?

For your first question, it can be rather difficult, but not impossible, especially if you are seeking a SA position. Because you are only staying for the fall semester and will get back for the next semester (if I get you right), and summer jobs require further VISA things etc. Companies would think it costly to recruit you, unless you indeed impress them. I guess it's your first question that really need to be considered instead of the second one. And for your second question, I happened to heard of some, so this might not be a great problem. Btw, where do you come from? We might share similar background. PM me if you'd like to communicate with me further ^^

You won't be able to secure an internship with any BB's in NY due to visa issues. Students in american universities apply for OPT which is tied to their US university, but as an exchange student from a university abroad, you do not have access to that. If you are so determined for an internship, then your best shots would be at boutiques and working for unpaid - where visa doesn't matter (although even then, they might ask for it due to legal issues). But that would also be unfeasible considering Upenn is located in Philadelphia which is at least an hour and a half commute to new york - can you afford to do that during the school year?

To be honest, if you are really dead set on breaking into NY, you should pursue a masters in the US. That is your best shot.

As previously said, you will encounter visa issues. The only possible way that you might be able to circumvent this is by doing an unpaid internship with a boutique. I think that you would be able to travel to the US on a tourist visa and volunteer for a boutique. However, getting such an internship is hard for domestic and international full-time student and I don't see why they would hire you over one of the students who has taken care of all the visa regulation. It just seems like a huge risk for them. Nevertheless, it might be of help if you talk a little more about your background and you MAY be able to do it if you network your a** off. Very unlikely though.

I'm a Euro citizen working on a visa in NYC for a PE real estate firm.

You should have advice and contacts at Wharton when you go there.

As for visas, this was my path:

I made a great contact at college who put me in touch with the head of the PERE firm. I offered to work for free for a few months to gain experience and hopefully get a job so I could continue working there. I organized and paid for my own J-1 (intern visa) for the 6 months. They started to pay me then offered me the permanent position and sponsored my visa after that. Again, I had to organize and pay for the extension from 6 months to 12 months for the initial visa, but it was obviously worth it since I knew I had a job at the time. As someone mentioned above, the ideal would be to be a full-time student at a US university. Not just for getting a job/visa, but for career advancement.

kinghongkong:

As previously said, you will encounter visa issues. The only possible way that you might be able to circumvent this is by doing an unpaid internship with a boutique. I think that you would be able to travel to the US on a tourist visa and volunteer for a boutique. However, getting such an internship is hard for domestic and international full-time student and I don't see why they would hire you over one of the students who has taken care of all the visa regulation. It just seems like a huge risk for them.
Nevertheless, it might be of help if you talk a little more about your background and you MAY be able to do it if you network your a** off. Very unlikely though.

Indeed, I'm aware of that there is not many edges I have over domestic students. I'm struggling to come up with my unique strengths. And it seems that there is none of experience or background stuff in my life which seem relatively outstanding. I think I have to start at the bottom when it comes to networking. Anyway, I really appreciate your words. Thank you :)

RE Monkey:

I'm a Euro citizen working on a visa in NYC for a PE real estate firm.

You should have advice and contacts at Wharton when you go there.

As for visas, this was my path:

I made a great contact at college who put me in touch with the head of the PERE firm. I offered to work for free for a few months to gain experience and hopefully get a job so I could continue working there. I organized and paid for my own J-1 (intern visa) for the 6 months. They started to pay me then offered me the permanent position and sponsored my visa after that. Again, I had to organize and pay for the extension from 6 months to 12 months for the initial visa, but it was obviously worth it since I knew I had a job at the time.
As someone mentioned above, the ideal would be to be a full-time student at a US university. Not just for getting a job/visa, but for career advancement.

I strongly agree with you that being a full-time student at a university in US will be the ideal condition. I think I need to try Master's degree in US. Anyway, I hope to get a job in NYC like you. I envy you :). Congratulations!