An international student on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours a week, working for their school only. If you want to work in summers, you would need to be approved for CPT or possibly OPT, then find a job. There are strict rules involved, which you can read about here: Training Opportunities in the United States | Study in the States. I worked at a grad school & handled visa applications. We did not allow CPT, because our programs did not require it or allow outside work for credit. Other schools in our area did allow it. Almost all of our graduates did OPT following graduation, but it was a graduate program. My advice is to contact the international student office or advisor to ask about the probability of working during and after your program. They will be able to give you advice specific to what is possible at their school.
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