Internship+ Student FAQ
Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Internship+ program. If you have additional questions about the program, please contact your career community advisor or send us an email at internships@oberlin.edu.
Application and Enrollment
When does the Internship+ program application open and close?
The application opens on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, and closes on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. EDT.
What is the deadline to withdraw from the Internship+ program?
For Music Performance, Education and Administration students, the deadline to withdraw from LEAD 375 follows the college's second-module withdrawal deadline. For all other career communities, please contact your career community advisor if you are considering withdrawing from the Internship+ Program. Students who withdraw from Internship+ will not be eligible for funding for a summer experience.
Funding
Is funding available for summer internships through the Internship+ program?
Yes. Students are eligible to receive up to $5,000 for completing all program requirements and securing a qualified unpaid or low-paid*, off-campus summer experience by Friday, April 26, 2024.
- Internships must be full-time, 8-12 weeks (320 hours)
- Undergraduate Research must be minimum of 6 weeks (240 hours)
- Performance-based experiences must be a minimum of 4 weeks (can include multiple experiences)
* low-paid is the total compensation (wages, salary, stipend) is less than the funding a student is eligible to receive through Internship+.
What do I need to complete in order to receive funding?
Students must register for the Internship+ Program by December 15, complete the career community-based program requirements, and secure a qualified off-campus summer experience to be eligible for funding.
Music Performance, Education and Administration only: If a student does not pass PROF 200 or LEAD 375, will they still be eligible for funding?
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.
How will funding amounts be determined?
As part of the Internship+ funding request, you must provide a budget and supporting documentation of your estimated expenses. The budget and supporting documentation will be used and considered to determine the amount of funding you will be granted for your summer internship experience. For more details about what to include in your budget and documentation, please see the question, “What can my funding be used for?”
If my internship is paid, am I still eligible to receive funding?
Yes, you can still receive funding if your internship is paid. However, the amount your internship host will pay you will be considered when calculating the total funding you will receive for your summer internship experience.
What can my funding be used for?
Your summer funding can be used for living expenses and other expenses for your internship. This includes housing/rent; travel (to and from the internship location and any routine daily commuting as part of the internship); food; and program fees.
Whom should I contact if I have questions about the funding process or need help with my funding request?
Students should contact their career community advisor with any questions about the funding process.
If I submit my application early, will I have a better chance of receiving more funding?
All applications will be considered equally as long as they are submitted on time. The funding application deadline is Friday, April 26, 2024.
What happens after I apply for funding?
After you submit your funding application, the Internship+ team will review your application. Once a decision has been reached, you will be notified of the funding you received for the summer. Your funding will then be directly deposited into your bank account.
When does the funding application open and close?
The funding application will open on Thursday, February 1, 2024 and will close on Friday, April 26, 2024.
When will I know how much funding I’ll be receiving?
You will be notified about the amount of funding you’ve been awarded by Friday, May 10, 2024.
When will my funding be available to me?
Your funding will be directly deposited into your account before you start your internship.
Will I be required to provide documentation of my summer internship expenses (receipts, bills, etc.)?
No, you will not need to provide documentation of summer internship expenses, such as receipts and bills, after the internship experience. However, Internship+ participants requesting internship funding must provide documentation for estimated expenses for the internship funding request form. This means documentation to estimate living expenses for the internship experience, such as housing/rent, travel, daily commuting, food, and details about any program fees.
Will my funding award be subject to taxation?
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.
Summer Internships
How will I get a summer internship?
Alumni and friends of the college will post summer opportunities to which you can apply directly, or you may apply to any summer internships that interest you. 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 internships.
Should my internship be remote or in person?
Currently, the program is designed to support remote, hybrid, and in-person internships.
If my internship is fully remote, do I need to live in a specific location?
Acknowledging that a proper work environment is an important aspect of a successful summer internship, you should strongly consider your living situation when working fully remotely. You may live in the location of your choosing; however, it will be important to consider noise levels, privacy, and access to broadband internet.
Can I accept further work experience with my sponsor after the internship?
Absolutely! We encourage you to stay connected with your sponsor after your internship ends. You are more than welcome to accept further opportunities if offered by your sponsor.
What are Oberlin’s safety guidelines and expectations?
Due to the volatile nature of the pandemic, students are advised to stay up-to-date on the College’s policies regarding travel and testing. Up-to-date information can be found on the ObieSafe website. Students should carefully consider their risk tolerance when traveling and ensure that their program has appropriate contingency plans. Students are also advised to be sure their travel insurance covers COVID-related matters.
How many hours per week should I be working at my internship site?
Working hours and locations (remote vs. on-site) may vary depending on the type of summer experience. Please follow these guidelines for minimum hours required:
- Internships must be full-time, 8-12 weeks (320 hours)
- Undergraduate Research must be minimum of 6 weeks (240 hours)
- Performance-based experiences must be a minimum of 4 weeks (can include multiple experiences)
Please contact your career community advisor for guidance if your hours are consistently lower or higher than this amount.
Eligibility
I am a 3-2 Engineering Program student. Can I participate in Internship+ before my last year at Oberlin?
Yes, 3-2 engineering students may participate in Internship+ prior to their final year at Oberlin (after their second year).
Can I participate in Internship+ if I'm studying away?
Study Away in Fall Semester:
Students must be enrolled for 2023-2024 to participate in Internship+. Schedule an appointment with a Career Exploration and Development (CED) Career Advisor to discuss how you can meet the Internship+ Program requirements virtually. Students must complete all requirements in order to apply for funding, if needed.
Study Away in Spring Semester:
Students must be enrolled for 2023-2024 to participate in Internship+, as the program will have in-person components. Students studying away must complete the requirements in the fall semester to participate in the program. Career Exploration and Development (CED) can also support you in your summer internship search. Schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor for help with your search.
What if I’m an F1 visa holder?
International students are welcome to participate in the Internship+ program. We encourage you to meet with the International Student Resource Center for OPT advice.