Do I really have to receive college credit for my internship in order to participate in the program?
Yes, credit is your compensation for your work, and having your college acknowledge the internship gives your experience even more value.
How many credits do I have to receive?
Each college has different requirements and ways of granting credits. As long as you receive at least one credit, you fulfill the requirement.
Can I work more than 120 hours?
The requirement is to work a minimum of 120 hours. You can stay longer as long as you are not preventing another intern from participating, there is work to be done, and there is someone available to supervise you.
Can I apply for more than one internship position?
You may apply for no more than two internship positions per application deadline. If you are accepted for both positions, you may participate in both if you are able to complete all of the requirements of both positions individually. If you are not able to complete all of the requirements for both positions individually, you may decline one of the positions.
What dates are included in each term?
Since each college has a different schedule, we are flexible in defining our terms. The dates of your internship will be determined by your availability and your supervisor's schedule during your interview. The terms are loosely defined as:
- Winter term: Late December through early February
- Spring term: January through May
- Summer term: May through September
- Fall term: September through December
What hours will I work?
Schedules are flexible. Animal care staff works weekends in addition to during the week. Most animal care staff works from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while other positions are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some interns work 40 hours per week for three weeks to complete their hours, while others work eight hours one to two days per week for a longer period of time. Your exact hours vary according to the time of year, your supervisor's schedule, and the work that needs to be completed. Your hours will be determined during your interview or upon acceptance.
Is parking included?
No. Just like staff, interns are encouraged to make use of the multiple options for public transportation.
Is housing included?
Housing is not included.
Can I send my application in early for the next application deadline?
You may send your application in any time before the application deadline. Make sure not to send your application too soon, however, because you want it to be as up to date as possible.
Will late applications be accepted?
Complete applications that are postmarked by the deadline or faxed by 11:59 p.m. on the date of the deadline will be accepted. Late applications will not be accepted.
I am in high school; are there internship opportunities available for me?
Although you cannot participate in the college internship program, there is one other program available for high school students. Click here for more information, or call our volunteer office at 202-482-0852, or e-mail education@nationalaquarium.org.
I just graduated college; are there internship opportunities for me?
Yes. We have had many recent graduates successfully apply for an internship by receiving non-degree-seeking credit from their college. Another option is to become a volunteer. Paid positions are listed on the Aquarium's employment page.
I am a graduate student; can I participate in the internship program?
Yes. Although many of our internship positions are tailored to undergraduate students, we do have many graduate students who participate in the program. The same requirements apply to graduate students including receipt of credit.
