Internship+ Student FAQ

We’ve put together an informative video to walk you through everything you need to know to successfully navigate the Internship+ program. It covers the main Internship+ page, the Application & Expectations Guide page, and the FAQ page: including where to find all the materials and downloadable documents you’ll need to apply once you’ve secured a summer opportunity. Watch anytime and prepare at your own pace.

Yes, you may apply. However, Internship+ will prioritize unpaid opportunities. The funding you receive will be based on the amount requested on your itemized budget worksheet, up to $5000 for eligible expenses. 

Students should contact their career community advisor with any questions about the funding process.

All applications will be considered equally. Please be aware that funding requests submitted after Friday, May 9, will be reviewed; however, they may experience extended processing times.

After submission, your funding application will undergo review by Selection committees beginning February 3. Students will begin to receive notification of award decisions three (3) weeks beyond the funding application review committee receives your application.

Funds will be disbursed by direct deposit to students beginning mid April and continuing through June.

The funding application opens in early January and will remain open through May 1st. 

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email from CED staff. Funds will be directly deposited 7–12 business days after that. To avoid delays, go to Oberview, search for ‘Direct Deposit Allocation’ and ensure your bank account information is accurate and active under the Accounts Payable section, not Payroll. Significant delays may occur if this is not set up correctly.

Here is a helpful guide to help you set up or update your direct deposit information in Oberview.

No, you will not need to provide documentation of summer internship expenses, such as receipts and bills, after the internship experience. 

This information is presented for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified tax professional.

For domestic students, funding awards through the Internship+ program will not be taxed on the “front end,” but you will receive a 1099 form to file your taxes.

For international students, funding awards through the Internship+ program are subject to taxation. Only some students will be taxed at the same rate (or at all), so international students must complete tax forms in a web-based software called Sprintax Calculus.

Awarded international students will receive an email notification from Human Resources regarding their Sprintax account and required forms. The information provided in these forms will determine the taxability of the requested award amount.

Alumni and friends of the college will post summer opportunities to which you can apply directly, or you may apply to any summer experience that interests you. You may also visit Handshake, OberLink or other job sites to research your opportunity.

Career workshops and individual career advising (as well as PROF 200 or LEAD 375 for Music Performance, Education, and Administration students) will help you put your best foot forward as you apply and interview for a summer opportunity. 

Currently, the program is designed to support in-person or hybrid opportunities. Fully remote opportunities are not eligible experiences for the Internship+ program.

Absolutely! We encourage you to stay connected with your sponsor after your experience ends. You are more than welcome to accept further opportunities if offered by your experience host. 

Situations can arise, and we advise students to stay up-to-date on the College’s policies regarding travel and transportation, especially internationally. When making travel plans, students should carefully consider their risk tolerance when traveling internationally and ensure that their program has appropriate contingency plans. Students are also advised to be sure their travel insurance covers refunds or flexibility for travel changes.

Working hours and locations (hybrid vs. fully in-person) may vary depending on the type of summer experience. Please follow these guidelines for minimum hours required:

• Internship must be 6-12 weeks with a minimum of 240 hours total.
• Undergraduate Research must be at least 6 weeks with a minimum of 240 hours total.
• Music Festivals or Musical-based experiences must be a minimum of 4 weeks and can include multiple experiences.
• Academic Immersion Programs - June Block Intensive Courses & Language Immersion programs hours are arranged by Oberlin program director

Please contact your career community advisor for guidance if your hours are consistently lower or higher than this amount.

Yes, students who are part of the BA+BFA Integrated Arts program must participate in Internship+ during their summer between 4th and 5th year.

Yes, 3-2 engineering students may participate in Internship+ prior to their final year at Oberlin (typically, participating during the summer after their second year).

Yes. Students will be able to complete the program requirements virtually throughout the academic year. Schedule an appointment with a Career Exploration and Development (CED) Career Advisor to discuss how you can meet the Internship+ Program requirements prior to applying for funding.

International students are welcome to participate in the Internship+ program. We encourage you to meet with the International Student Resource Center for OPT advice.

Students must receive a Pass grade for their Internship+ LEAD courses to be eligible for funding. A grade of No Pass will not count as the student has yet to complete the course, which is a requirement for funding.