An internship at the Smithsonian Institution is a prearranged, structured learning experience, scheduled within a specific time frame. The experience must be relevant both to the intern's stated academic or professional goals and to research and museum activities of the Institution.

Most internships at the Smithsonian are unpaid. Unpaid internships last from one month to one year, and require a commitment of at least twenty hours per week. Most paid internships last ten weeks and require a full-time commitment of forty hours per week. These generalizations vary by program.

The Smithsonian provides opportunities for over 900 interns yearly at its 17 museums, numerous offices, and research facilities.

The Smithsonian is transitioning to an all-electronic application system for academic appointments. As of November 3, 2008 some programs now accept electronic applications. Check the appropriate website for details. If you have any questions, please contact SOLAA Program Help at SOLAAprograms@si.edu. Before you apply, we strongly encourage you to visit the specific program website for detailed information and application requirements.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, having completed two years of high school to apply, although internships are generally awarded to college and graduate students. Student status, however, is not a prerequisite for internships. Requirements vary by program. Check requirements before applying.

High school students, 16 years or older, are encouraged to explore the volunteer opportunities offered by the Smithsonian. Younger students are encouraged to consider opportunities when they are older.

If you are a graduate student interested in conducting independent research, you may be interested in Fellowship opportunities.

If you are seeking academic credit for your internship, you must make arrangements in advance with your school and your internship supervisor.

Make sure your application is complete:

• All programs require submission of an Application Form.


• Most programs require an Essay. Unless otherwise specified, this essay should address your academic and career goals and how they relate to the internship.


• Most programs require two References.


• Most programs require submission of Academic Transcripts.

Follow the All Internships links for specific information about applying to each program.

Some programs accept applications year-round, while others have set application deadlines.

General Smithsonian application deadlines are:

For Summer Internships February 15
For Fall Internships July 15
For Spring Internships October 15

From the time you submit your application until the time you are notified regarding your acceptance or rejection will take several weeks to several months. Be patient. Staff will interview candidates of interest by phone or email. You will be notified as soon as possible. Stay in touch and please notify the Intern Coordinator if your plans change.

International applicants may apply for Smithsonian internships. Most interns coming from abroad will require visas to enter the United States. Visa options are discussed below:

• Prospective interns who are already in the United States studying at an American university will most likely have an F-1 student visa sponsored by their university. To intern at the Smithsonian, they will need to get permission for "practical training" from their university's foreign student advisor, and then obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. immigration authorities.

• For interns who will need Smithsonian sponsorship to obtain a visa, the Institution has a State Department-approved exchange visitor program and can issue a Form DS-2019 that will permit them to apply for a J-1 exchange visitor visa. You may obtain this form by contacting the Smithsonian Office of International Relations (fcb@ic.si.edu). While Canadian citizens are exempt from obtaining a J-1 visa, they will also need Form DS-2019 in order to be admitted to the United States as exchange visitors. Please note that the Smithsonian's exchange program is considered "government-sponsored," which will exempt you from certain J-1 visa fees, but will also most likely make you subject to the "two-year foreign residence requirement" after your exchange visit ends.

• Some interns who will be self-supporting and plan to come for relatively short periods of time (90 days or less) manage to enter the United States using an ordinary B-1/B-2 visitor visa or, if they are from a qualifying country, the Visa Waiver Program. This approach is not without risks, however, because many U.S. visa and immigration officers view internships as "employment" whether or not a stipend is involved. Consequently, applying for a visitor visa or seeking entry under the Visa Waiver Program for the express purpose of "doing an unpaid internship" may not be successful. If you are concerned about this potential problem, you should request a Form DS-2019 and obtain a J-1 visa.

The Smithsonian Institution does not collect personal information about visitors to our Website unless you choose to provide that information to us. Read about the Smithsonian Institution Privacy Policy. The Smithsonian does not sell, exchange, or release your personal information to parties outside the Smithsonian without your consent.

If you are accepted into a program, you will receive more information and instructions from your Internship Coordinator prior to your start date.

All accepted Smithsonian interns must sign and complete an Internship Registration Form and Copyright Agreement. Completion of Photographic Release and Background Survey Questionnaire is optional, but encouraged. This is usually done at Internship Orientation.

Interns under 18 must provide a Parental/Guardian Consent to Treatment Form.

If an internship requires use of a Smithsonian computer, interns must complete Computer Security Training and sign a User-Agreement Form.

Interns must furnish their social security number and date of birth in order to obtain a security credential. Passport and visa information is required from our international interns.

Interns at the Smithsonian are required to undergo a security background investigation and fingerprinting through the Office of Protection Services before they are accepted into an internship.