Internship+ Program

Funding is available to students who meet the following requirements:

Degree & Timeline Criteria

• BA, BS, and BM Students: Summer between 3rd and 4th year (completing degree requirements the following academic year).

• Double Degree Students: Summer between 3rd and 4th year.

• 3–2 Engineering Students: Summer after 2nd year (prior to final year at Oberlin).

• BA + BFA Integrated Arts Students: Summer between 4th and 5th year.

Academic & Program Criteria

• Enrollment & Academic Standing: Must be in good academic standing and are enrolled on campus or on an approved academic leave of absence to study away in the spring prior to the summer experience and the fall after the summer experience.

• Interest Form: Submitted the Internship+ Interest Form and received confirmation from the Center for Engaged Learning & Development (CED).

• Experience: Formally secured and accepted an eligible summer experience.

General Experience Categories

• Internships & Undergraduate Research: Must run 6 to 12 weeks with a minimum of 240 total hours.

• Fully Remote Opportunities: Must run 6 to 12 weeks with a minimum of 240 total hours. Funding decisions are evaluated based on experience quality and budget justification.

• Academic Immersion Programs: Oberlin June Block intensive courses and language immersion programs are fully eligible. Other intensive academic programs may be considered if they are at least 4 weeks, include clear career development components, and include a faculty letter confirming equivalent academic rigor.

• Arts Experiences: Must be at least 4 weeks with a minimum of 120 total hours. Eligible fields include theater, acting, improv, creative writing, cinema/media, visual arts, music, dance, design, and other relevant arts-based disciplines. Formats include public performances, exhibitions, master classes, workshops with significant mentorship, personalized projects, screenings, professional development opportunities, and/or other meaningful arts-related activities.

Music-Based Experiences:

• Music festivals, summer institutes, academies, artist residencies, or other music-based educational experiences that provide sustained, intensive study with professional musicians, faculty, or industry leaders. Eligible experiences must total a minimum of four weeks, which may be fulfilled through multiple non-concurrent programs.
• Programs offering significant mentorship opportunities, including master classes, ensemble rehearsals, seminars, networking opportunities, and other structured educational activities designed to foster artistic and professional development.
• Music competitions that require substantial preparation and participation and include meaningful educational components beyond the competition itself, such as master classes, professional development workshops, lectures, career seminars, or other organized learning experiences.

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Independent or self-directed projects, including self-organized concert tours, self-produced recordings, independently arranged performances, private lessons or other activities that do not provide a structured educational component. 

To apply for Internship+ funding, you must submit a budget worksheet and an offer letter verifying whether your summer role is paid or unpaid.

Internship+ awards help cover necessary summer living costs such as housing, meals, and transportation. Awards are designed to offset expenses rather than serve as compensation or salary.

Award Ranges & Eligibility Guidelines

Award amounts are based on your submitted budget, financial need, and the type of summer role:

How Funding Decisions Are Made

Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee full funding.

The review committee evaluates each application holistically based on:

• The strength and clarity of your proposal

• Alignment with Internship+ program objectives

• Total available funding and the size of the applicant pool

Applicants may be awarded partial funding, even if all submitted expenses meet the program criteria.

Follow these steps to prepare your application and meet the program requirements for your college.

Step 1: Submit the Internship+ Interest Form (Required for All Students)

Before starting your application, you must complete the Internship+ Interest Form.

Important: The Interest Form is not the funding application. Submitting it connects you with Career Exploration and Development (CED) so we can verify your program eligibility early and ensure you receive important updates.

Step 2: Complete Your Track-Specific Requirements

Review and complete the required career development milestones for your enrolled degree program:

College of Arts & Sciences Track

Complete the following two required activities:

1. Join a Career Community Group: Connect with career resources and network with Oberlin alumni on OberLink. (See the Guide To Navigating OberLinkGuide to Navigating OberLink for assistance.)

2. Conduct Two Career Conversations: Complete 2 career conversations with an industry expert or Oberlin alumnus in your field of interest.

   • Timeline: These must be completed during the academic year and before the end of your summer experience so they can be included in your required Digital Portfolio. (Review the conversation guideConducting Career Conversations Guide to get started.)

• Recommended: Have your resume reviewed at the CED Resume Review Lab before submitting your application. (Hours and operational details are forthcoming, please check back soon).

Conservatory & Dual Degree Students:

If your summer experience involves musical performances, training, or music programs, choose one of the following options:

• Option 1:

  • Schedule a Resume Review appointment with Conservatory Professional Development Staff.

  • Schedule a Professional Biography Review appointment with Conservatory Professional Development Staff.

  • Conduct Two Career Conversations: Complete 2 career conversations with an industry expert or Oberlin alumnus in your field of interest.

    • Timeline: These must be completed during the academic year and before the end of your summer experience so they can be included in your required Digital Portfolio. (Review the conversation guide to get started.)

• Option 2:

  • Complete PROF 200: Professional Development for Musicians (a 4-credit course offered every semester).

Step 3: Submit Your Application & Materials

Review the Application Guide to assemble and submit your required materials.

Does applying early increase my funding amount?

No, all applications are evaluated equally regardless of submission time. However, late submissions submitted after May 9th will experience longer processing times.

What happens after I submit my application?

Selection committee reviews begin February 1st. Once submitted, you'll get a confirmation email, followed by an official decision within three weeks. If approved, your funds will be sent via direct deposit between mid-April and June.

How will I receive my funds once approved?

Once approved, you will receive an email with an official award agreement letter and next steps. You must submit your signed award agreement letter by following the instructions in that email to begin deposit processing. CED will then follow up with an update once your award is routed to the Controller's Office, including an estimated arrival date. Approved funds are transferred directly into your bank account via direct deposit.

Important: To avoid payment delays, log into Oberview, search for 'Direct Deposit Allocation', and confirm your banking details are accurate under Accounts Payable (not Payroll). Use this guide to help you set up or update your direct deposit.

Will I need to provide expense receipts after my internship?

No, post-internship documentation (such as receipts or bills) is not required.

Is my funding award taxable?

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and not professional tax advice. Awards over $600 may be reported as taxable income.

Domestic Students: Funding is not taxed upfront. You may receive a 1099 form for year-end tax filing.

International Students: Funding is subject to taxation. You will receive an email from the Controller's Office to set up a Sprintax Calculus account; the forms you complete there will determine your specific tax rate. You may receive a 1042-S form for year-end taxes.

How do I find a summer experience opportunity?

Apply directly to positions posted by alumni, or pursue any opportunity that interests you using Handshake, OberLink or other job boards. You can also prepare your application materials through career workshops, individual advising, or courses like PROF 200 and LEAD 375.

Can I continue working with my employer after the program ends?

Absolutely! We encourage you to stay connected with your host and accept further opportunities if offered.

What are Oberlin’s travel and safety expectations?

Stay up-to-date on Oberlin travel and transportation policies, particularly for international trips. Ensure your host organization has contingency plans in place, evaluate your risk tolerance, and verify that your travel insurance covers itinerary changes or refunds.

Can I participate in Internship+ if I'm studying away?

Yes. You can complete all program requirements while studying away. Schedule an appointment with a Career Exploration and Development (CED) Career Advisor to to review your plan before applying for funding.

Can I participate if I hold an F-1 visa?

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