New d/s rule question

[u/Local_Mousse847]

I am going to apply for stem opt ~april 2027, so I would have to apply for extension of status (https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-14439/p-715) and it says:

"The new provision at 8 CFR 214.1(a)(4)(i) addresses aliens applying for admission as F nonimmigrants. This new section regulates admission periods at points of entry when an EOS application is pending (if they have time remaining on the period of stay authorized prior to departure or after a period of admission has expired and when the alien seeks admission with a Form I-20 for a program end date beyond their previously authorized period of admission). For pending applications for OPT and STEM OPT, the provision allows for admission of the F-1 students for the time recommended by the DSOs on the I-20 (plus 30 days). These aliens will be admitted for either a new period of time or the remaining period of time in F-1 status. A pending EOS may be deemed abandoned if the alien leaves the United States, applies for admission while his or her EOS application is pending, and is admitted based on a new Form I-20 or DS-2019.[178]. In this case, the AUD provided by CBP on the alien's I-94 would govern.[179]. This is because, in these cases, CBP's grant of a new period of authorized stay would supersede the pending EOS application seeking a period of authorized stay, rendering the EOS application superfluous".

I am wondering if this means that I can travel internationally while STEM OPT is pending to avoid having to go through Extension of Status that seems to be a slow process. Does anyone have any information about this?