In a message dated 96-01-17 14:28:34 EST, [log in to unmask] (Andrew
Reinhard) writes:

> I made five dollars an hour (before taxes).  The reason this
>internship worked for me was that my old college roommate's parents lived
>in KC and had a spare bedroom.  In exchange for mowing the lawn and
>cleaning house (plus twenty dollars a week for groceries), I was allowed
>to stay there for the two months I was employed at the Nelson.  Had I not
>been so fortunate with finding lodging, I would not have been able to
>take advantage of a wonderful working environment with an outstanding
>Asian collection.

My experience was similar to Andrew's. When I first worked at the Smithsonian
(NMNH) as an intern, I found a woman who was going to England for the summer
and needed someone to house sit and cat watch (I fed her too) in exchange for
a free apartment (with a pool no less). I got a student parking permit from
the District and metro'ed everyday. Luckily, I was able to sublet my
apartment for the summer and I was able to enjoy the internship without
financial panic. The internship led to a volunteer position which turned into
a fellowship after graduation and that made me valuable enuf for a 1 year
term position. As I walked away with tons of experience and many contacts,
I'd say I was the winner!